There are still no signs that SEPTA and its largest union plan to return to the bargaining table and restore the city's subway, bus and trolley service. The walkout also has affected Frontier Division buses in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties.
Many stranded riders have turned to Regional Rail trains, which are not affected by the strike.
SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch said most lines were running on time during the evening rush hour, but some were experiencing delays of about 20 to 30 minutes because of increased ridership.
By 4 p.m., the scene at Suburban Station was chaotic, as frustrated commuters jammed the concourse only to find they could not get to the platforms.
Rail employees in yellow vests – some calling into bullhorns - were allowing only small numbers of riders at a time down the stairs. Huge lines extended through the corridors.
"This is unbelievable," said Nancy Cravetz, 52, a payroll manager in Center City trying to get home to Somerton in time to vote and get to her Tuesday night bowling game.
"No rush. Please take your time," shouted an employee, as she allowed about 30 people down the stairs to the R-3 to West Trenton.
Spencer Rand, who teaches legal advocacy at Temple Law School and was waiting for a train to Wynnewood, said the SEPTA strike had disrupted his normal habit of voting before work.
"We left extra early this morning," he said, indicating his two children, who attend Friends Select School. "I'm going to try when I get home, assuming I get home in time."
Eleanor Schnarr, 20, a student at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, said she expected to get home so late she wouldn't be able to eat dinner and complete a homework assignment due tomorrow.
She had not yet voted and thought she probably would not, because "I'm just not that up on the candidates this year.
"But if someone could fix this SEPTA thing I'd vote for them – no matter what party," she said.
The volume at 69th Street Station in West Philadelphia was much lighter by 6 p.m., but residents who managed to get that far were still left to consider their options.
Heline Saunders, on her way from work at a Haverford nursing home, had to figure out how to get to her home near 55th and Race Streets.
"It's not convenient at all," she said of the strike. "It looks like I might have to walk."
Nicketta Burden, 30, was dropped off at the station by her boss and was waiting for a bus to take her home to Ridley Park.
"Everybody is in a recession. Everybody wants a raise. You just can't stop working," she said. "Everybody lost in this game, and they're trying to win. That's what's so crazy, to go on strike... it's just selfish."
The city activated its Emergency Operations Center in the afternoon to monitor the evening rush hour, and police officers were posted at key intersections to monitor traffic and manually change lights if needed.
The city also relaxed some parking restrictions during the strike. Residents can download information on the new parking rules at www.phila.gov/ready.
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