Philly spared World Series transit strike

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A Philadelphia transit strike has been averted while the World Series is being played, officials said Saturday.

About four hours before the third game was scheduled to begin at Citizens Bank Park, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and Mayor Michael Nutter said the two sides were close to an agreement on a new contract, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Rendell and Nutter said the Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority and Transit Workers Union Local 234 agreed to keep negotiating.

"I have told both sides they're going to stay at the bargaining table," Rendell said.

The mayor and governor arrived at a Holiday Inn in Philadelphia about 1 a.m. Saturday and remained there all night.

A strike would have shut down all subway and trolley service in the city and most bus service. The ballpark is at the south end of one of Philadelphia's two subway lines.