Posted on Sat, Nov. 7, 2009
You'd think the lines of harried commuters snaking through Suburban and Market East stations would mean a banner week for the businesses on the underground concourses.
Think again.
"Yes, there are more people this week, but business is really bad," said a manager of Kim's newsstand at Market East Station. "People don't want to leave their spots in long lines" for a paper, soda or a bite to eat.
Workers said that strikes are always bad for business even with the increased foot traffic but that this year's walkout has been worse than the SEPTA strikes of 2005 and 1998 because the economy was already dragging things down.
"We don't have the figures," said a jewelry vendor at the Gallery mall, which is attached to Market East. "It doesn't matter if you're making money or not; you still have to come to work."
Across the hall, shoe, watch and other food vendors looked on as hundreds of people stood before them, some waiting in lines 150-people long.
"I feel bad for everyone here," said Bill Schwarz, a Philly resident who made the unlikely decision to come to Suburban Station to wind down after work. "I live in South Philly so I can walk to and from home. But the strike seems to be holding people as hostages in lines."
Commuters and workers said that SEPTA has been more organized during this strike than recent ones, with yellow-chain barricades separating lines and numerous SEPTA officials to tell people to "tighten up."
But the orderly manner wasn't enough to keep regular customers coming back to station shops this week, said a smoothie vendor, who, like the other workers, did not want to give his name for concern over retribution from their bosses.
Even the lone musician at Suburban last night felt the tightening of purses.
"I can't wait till it's over," he said, standing behind his nearly empty instrument case.
"At this point, though, I'm playing here because I just want to play," he said. "Usually by just playing, people think there's some kind of benefit."
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