Tuesday transit news (such as it is)

• I gotta put this article first, because a few weeks ago I asked, "now that a strike deadline is set, are negotiation talks underway?" and at least one commenter thought that the answer was "of course!" Well, apparently not: it's news that face-to-face talks started yesterday (with a 15-minute meeting and exchange of documents). Um, what has everybody been doing, other than throwing insults from across the street? Do they really think a week will get anything done, or is this a sign that both sides are essentially resigned to a strike?
  
  
• As if to answer that question, SEPTA provides advice in case of a strike. "Buy rail tickets in advance. Be patient." great.
  
  
• Meanwhile, the Daily News opinion page expresses pessimism on all fronts.