SEPTA launched a more accessible Web site this afternoon.

In the second “long-time-coming” post in a day, more Web site news to share.

SEPTA, the sixth-largest public transportation agency in the country, has launched a sleeker, new Web site.

Schedule information is much more accessible (though, as of today, there are still bugs to be worked out — Regional Rail and trolley schedules are MIA), and important links for riders — including customer service comments — are conveniently posted on the home page.

Next on the agenda, from a rider’s perspective, should be a new “Plan My Trip” feature. The old one is still in tact, but SEPTA also gives the option of Google Transit. But an in-house feature would be much easier to use. I gave up on Google Transit almost immediately.

Source: Philadelphia Magazine | Dawn Stensland Mendte discusses her life and challenges in a Daily News article.

Former Fox anchor Dawn Stensland Mendte offered the Daily News a tell-all interview that appeared in yesterday’s paper.

Nothing was off-limits. She discusses her job at Fox, a miscarriage last year and her husband Larry Mendte’s relationship with his former co-anchor Alycia Lane.

Despite the turmoil of the past two years, Stensland still appears to be optimistic about the future. She says she loves her husband more than ever, and she hints at a possible new career for the two.

Any thoughts?

Workers of SEPTA's largest union, TWU Local 234, have been on strike since early Tuesday.

In case you haven’t heard, SEPTA is on strike.

I am one of those affected commuters who relies on SEPTA to get to and from work. I began my day open-minded, even after oversleeping and knowing of the possible trials and tribulations ahead of me.

Thus, here was my day:

8:31 a.m. – I arrive at Temple’s shuttle stop, conveniently a half-block from my apartment. The gated, locked Broad Street Line entrance stares at my face, laughing. I tear up a little, but that may be the cold since I failed to check the weather prior to leaving my apartment.

8:51 a.m. – I now realize I could’ve gone back to my apartment, grabbed some gloves, checked the weather and perhaps baked some cookies since I’m still waiting for the shuttle.

8:53 a.m. – As the crowd waiting for the shuttle grows, I begin to wonder if everyone will fit on the shuttle. I also realize people just walking up now will probably be able to board while I’ll be waiting for the next shuttle.

9:04 a.m. – Shuttle No. 1 arrives. My prediction was correct. I wait for Shuttle No. 2.

9:22 a.m. – Shuttle No. 2 arrives. I surprisingly board and find a seat. It’s the first time in six years I’m taking a school bus to school. But it’s a cool looking school bus.

9:29 a.m. – We make the long trek four blocks to City Hall. I think about how this series of events could be a mildly entertaining blog post.

9:30 a.m. – “Cecilia” by Simon and Garfunkel comes on my iPod. My mood improves ever so slightly.

9:34 a.m. – My mother calls me as a girl shoves her red backpack in my face. Clearly, we have decided to disregard the rule plastered at the front of the bus, “Absolutely no standees permitted.” My mom, a SEPTA employee, informs me that my TransPass is, in fact, valid on SEPTA Regional Rail (conveniently not on strike) even during peak hours. My next commute will be different.

Photo: Chris Stover | The shuttle bus that took me from Center City to Temple's campus is decked out in a wrap designed by Tyler students.

9:36 a.m. – Our bus gets into a duel a la 2 Fast 2 Furious with a normal-looking school bus. It’s somewhat terrifying yet equally exhilarating. I never knew bus drivers had it in them.

9:37 a.m. – “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” comes on my iPod. I find it appropriate, as it inspires me to be the arbitrator between SEPTA and the TWU and settle this strike once and for all. And then reality sets in when “We Didn’t Start the Fire” comes on next.

Read more of this exhilarating, edge-of-your-seat tale after the jump.

9:42 a.m. – I pass the University Services Building, my former place of employment until recently. It will be torn down by the end of the year to make way for a dorm. I tear up a little. Since I’m not outside, I don’t have the weather to blame.

9:43 a.m. – I arrive at my first pit stop, Broad and Berks streets, to wait for another shuttle. Upon getting off the bus, the bus driver says, “Don’t let the evil things get on your nerves,” in a very motherly way. Another passenger responded, “Can you be our bus driver every time?”

Come on. You can’t make that sappy stuff up.

9:46 a.m. – I cross Broad Street and wait for the Hunting Park shuttle. It leaves every half hour, so I figure I’ll catch the 10 a.m. one. It got a little colder. There are Temple students wearing shorts, and watching them makes me even colder. Idiots.

9:53 a.m. – A school bus drives by. The sign in the window calls it a UPS Workers’ shuttle. I recall four years ago when I covered the SEPTA strike for The Temple News, a similar shuttle drove down Broad Street to get workers to its South Philly location. I was conveniently wearing a brown shirt and brown jacket. I should’ve posed as a worker, although I’m not sure what I would’ve done in South Philly. But I do love whiteboards.

10:01 a.m. – A southbound Temple shuttle arrives. Jealousy ensues.

10:02 a.m. – Another UPS shuttle goes by. Temple should follow UPS’s example.

10:03 a.m. – I begin to question if the shuttle is actually going to come. I contemplate giving up and going home.

10:05 a.m. – The shuttle I took to Main Campus is now heading southbound back toward my apartment. I’m tempted to jump on, mostly to sit closer to the front so I could talk to the bus driver. I enjoy people telling me to have a good day.

10:07 a.m. – My lower lip begins to quiver. It’s chilly.

10:14 a.m. – I sent an e-mail to my boss earlier in the day, but I follow this up with a phone call to ensure that shuttles are still running. In the scenario I made up in my mind, Temple discontinued all other inter-campus shuttles to pay for the Broad Street service. I needed reassurance this was not the case. I didn’t get it.

10:15 a.m. – I received an e-mail from my mother outlining everything she told me in the phone call. It must be a slow day at SEPTA.

10:23 a.m. – I had almost given up, but alas, the shuttle magically arrives. I board. Other people assume it’s the southbound Broad Street shuttle, and the bus driver turns them away. The driver is typically a nice guy, but I feel like he resents me a bit today.

10:32 a.m. – My shuttle leaves. I’m the only one aboard. Now I really think the driver resents me.

10:47 a.m. – The shuttle passes a SEPTA garage on Allegheny Avenue. The usually opened doors are closed and picketers are waving their cheaply made signs. I snarl.

10:51 a.m. – I arrive at Hunting Park, alone, and the bus driver wishes me a good day. I still feel as though he resents me, but I return the sentiments with a smile. We’re both just doing what we need to do. I think we bonded a bit in the silent shuttle ride.

Alas, here I am. My six-mile journey that typically takes me 35 minutes (and only 20 minutes on the way home) lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours.

Can’t wait to get home. Just not sure how I’m doing that yet.

AP Photo | Some Philadelphians favor Gov. Ed Rendell to return as the city's mayor.

How would you like to have one of the world’s 75 best people back as mayor of Philadelphia?

Gov. Ed Rendell, whom Esquire magazine talked up in its October issue, is a favorite for some to challenge Mayor Michael Nutter in the city’s democratic mayoral primary in 2011, according to Philadelphia magazine.

As stated in the brief:

Lots of movers and shakers think the solution to the city’s problems lies in a Rendell run. “I know people who asked Ed if he’d consider it,” says the CEO. “People are upset. There’s no communication from the current mayor, no direction, no sense that there’s anyone there.”

Rendell responded, saying he’d only run if all 1.4 million Philadelphians signed a petition asking him to do so.

I’m not endorsing. Simply providing links.

• http://www.petitionspot.com/
• http://www.gopetition.com/
• http://www.petitiononline.com/
• http://www.thepetitionsite.com/

...for now.

At least the Phillies are taking Amtrak.

If history is any indication, there’s probably going to be a transit strike. SEPTA‘s largest union, TWU Local 234, is threatening a walk-out that could leave thousands of commuters stranded.

@SEPTA has released two seemingly unrelated “news” stories on its Web site — “World Series Information” and “Service Interruption Guide.”

The “World Series Information” article lists important details about service to and from the World Series games, including increased local service in addition to Sports Express trains running every 10 minutes. This is fantastic and really shows SEPTA’s commitment to getting you to the games, until you read the next article…

The “Service Interruption Guide,” which makes no reference to the World Series article (and visa versa), suggests the following:

• Take Regional Rail.
• Alter your work schedule to avoid peak-hour trains.
• Redeem your Trans/TrailPass if necessary.

Broad Street does have sidewalks extending from City Hall to Citizens Bank Park. Estimated travel time (walking): 50 minutes.

Just like back in 2005, SEPTA and TWU Local 234 have locked themselves in a hotel (the Old City Holiday Inn) to hash out a new contract, conveniently just in time for Philadelphia to be on the national stage for the World Series. The union has been without a contract since the spring. At the core of the negotiations, similar to 2005: wages, benefits and pensions.

This time, though, both parties have new negotiators at the top. TWU spokesperson Robert Wolper, perhaps mimicking an old, popular SEPTA slogan (knowingly or unknowingly), said in reference to negotiations, “We’re getting there. Slowly.”

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, SEPTA is hesitant to dish more money to the union since ridership is down (it reached a peak last year when gas prices jumped), state/federal funding is questionable and operating costs are rising.

The union has set a deadline for Saturday at 12:01 a.m., but a strike could occur before that, the article said.

A strike would affect most city bus routes (except LUCY and CCT Connect/Paratransit), trolleys and subways. Regional Rail will be operating normally, yet with an expected increase in passengers.

Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania are providing shuttles to students, faculty and staff should the strike happen, similar to their plans in 2005. Both universities also encourage carpooling.

For a thoughtful reminder of the 2005 strike, check out The Temple News’ award winning coverage, to which I was proud to contribute:

• Transit workers walk off the job
• Commuters crowd Broad Street shuttles
• Emergency plans put into action
• Dean briefs TSG on transit options

But the all-important question: Will the popular “SEPTA Race to Citizens Bank Park” air at the World Series?

Fox is not renewing my contract. I wanted you to hear that directly from me. Thank you for all your love and support over the years.

Stensland, who has been the main anchor on Fox for eight years, anchored the 10 p.m. news Tuesday night and followed it up with special post-midnight coverage of the Phillies’ NLCS clinch.

That broadcast would be her last. After gossipers reported that a timeframe for her departure had not been determined, it was announced on Wednesday, one day after her tweet, that she had been released immediately.

Kerri-Lee Halkett, Emmy Award winner for Best Anchor, will take over the 10 p.m. newscast.

As evidenced by Stensland’s Twitter page, many fans are outraged by the ousting. Her husband, ex-anchor Larry Mendte, called out Fox 29 in one of his tweets:

The amount of Love that my wife @DawnStensland is getting on her Facebook Page is insane – R U seeing this @Fox29Philadelphia

This week, King of Prussia-based company Banyan Productions announced its pitch of Coming Clean, hosted by Mendte. The syndicated show, which is being pitched to programming directors across the nation, would be a day-and-date show that would examine national and local headlines and “be an advocate for the truth,” according to the demo.

Meteorologist Paul Deanno of Seattle’s KOMO e-mailed me and said he made the cross-country move to be closer to his wife’s family. He said it was a tough decision, but he wanted his 2-year-old to be closer to family in Washington state.

Also, former Fox 29 reporter Gerald Kolpan e-mailed to say “no lawsuit has been filed by me against 29 or anyone else.” Apologies for the confusion.

Alycia Lane

Lane was last seen on the air in December 2007 after the now-infamous incident involving an NYPD cop and a few choice words. She was no stranger to making news in Philly, not necessarily for good reason.

Lane has sued CBS3 for wrongful termination. But she is leaving Philadelphia behind and following her beau, radio host Chris Booker, to Los Angeles. She says she hopes to get a job in TV, although rumors of a future in real estate are also swirling.

Larry Mendte (larrymendte)

Mendte is a household name in the Philadelphia area — a local guy who people trusted. However, he was convicted last August of illegally accessing former co-anchor Alycia Lane’s e-mail account hundreds of times. He recently got off his sentence of six-months’ house arrest.

He has kept himself under the radar lately. He has started a blog in which he shares stories, poetry and other writings. Mendte’s wife, Dawn Stensland (dawnstensland), anchors the 10 p.m. newscast on Fox 29.

Gerald Kolpan (geraldkolpan)

Kolpan was a 21-year veteran of Fox 29, the most tenured member of its on-air staff. Kolpan was the go-to features reporter, known for his quirky stories and quirky delivery. He was released from the station earlier this year.

His release came just months before the release of his book, Etta, which is a fictional tale of the Sundance Kid’s companion. Kolpan is also keeping busy with an age discrimination lawsuit against Fox 29. (See the update.)

Don Tollefson and Billy Vargus

Within a year, Fox 29 canned two of its three sports anchors. Don Tollefson, a well-known broadcaster in Philly, was released last year (literally days after returning to the air after recuperating from a car accident). Billy Vargus was released this spring after 12 years at the station. No word on any future in the Philadelphia sports scene, though. Vargus still has a link to Fox 29 — his wife, Sue Serio (sue_serio), is the meteorologist for Good Day Philadelphia.

Joe Staszak is now the lead sports anchor/reporter, occasionally getting help from former Eagle Hugh Douglas and 610 WIP’s Anthony Gargano. Senior sports producer Tom Sredenschek has also taken up anchoring duties.

Angela Russell (thenewslady)

Russell was an anchor/reporter at CBS3. She co-anchored the 4 p.m. newscast with local news legend Marc Howard and reported for the 11 p.m. newscast. Known for her conversational tone and engaging reports, she was released from the station in January.

However, she quickly landed on her feet. She picked up the lead anchor job at KIRO in Seattle, Wash. She anchors the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts.

Paul Deanno (pauldeannoKOMO)

Deanno was a popular morning meteorologist for CBS3. He was one of the few reporters to (reportedly) leave on his own terms to become chief meteorologist at WTVJ in Miami a few years back.

Miami must not be like Philadelphia. There were no reports on why Deanno quietly left Miami in the fall of 2008, but he is reunited with former CBS3 colleague Angela Russell in Seattle. He is the morning meteorologist at KOMO. (See the update.)

Sally Ann Mosey

SAM, as she was known by colleagues, was a popular, cheerful meteorologist at 6ABC. Like Deanno, she (reportedly) left on her own terms, making a name for herself at WNBC in New York City.

However, WNBC announced some hefty layoffs beginning in December 2008. The station released many of its big name personalities, likely to cost cut. Mosey was among the cuts.

Rumors quickly swirled in Philadelphia about a possible return to the area, much like Fox 29 meteorologist John Bolaris after his stint in NYC. Mosey has followed his example. She is now a freelance meteorologist for WTXF, and her first appearance back on air in Philadelphia will be on July 19.

Lane is moving to the Hollywood Hills to follow her boyfriend, former Q102 DJ Chris Booker, who is working at KAMP in Los Angeles. She reportedly has a house in the Hollywood Hills.

Not familiar with the Lane name? You will after reading a few posts. She’s been absent from here for a while.

Her future plans — Lane said she hopes to land a TV job. Just no more trips to New York City this time.

Following the news of the Philadelphia Bulletin’s folding yesterday, the CW Philly followed it up with the announcement that the station is halting its morning newscast.

The CW Philly Wake Up News, which airs from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., will broadcast its last show on June 26. Eyewitness News This Morning, anchored by Ukee Washington and Liz Keptner, will continue to air its normal time — 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. — but will add two hours, which will air on the CW.

CBS3's Natasha Brown

This means the three-person crew who hosted Wake Up News — anchor Natasha Brown, traffic guy Sean Murphy and meteorologist Christa Quinn — will be somewhat displaced. Brown, who also reports for CBS3, will move to the field for the morning show. Murphy and Quinn will serve as back-ups.

CBS3 began consolidating the CW a few months ago, adding the aforementioned personalities to the CBS3 bios page and making the CW Philly’s Web site a Web page hosted on cbs3.com.