PHILADELPHIA — About 4,700 transit workers went on strike Tuesday morning after contract negotiations failed before a midnight deadline.

The strike shut down bus, trolley, and subways that provide about 900,000 rides a day in Philadelphia.

Some officials say they fear that if the strike doesn’t end by Election Day, a week away, some voters may have a hard time getting back and forth from work and also finding time to vote.

“I am most concerned for voters who do not have flexible work rules and have a limited window of opportunity to get to the polls,’’ said City Council president Darrell Clarke.

The strike also will have a major impact on the Philadelphia school system. SEPTA provides rides for nearly 60,000 public, private, and charter school students.

Schools will remain open but the district is expecting some late arrivals.

The job action does not affect commuter rail lines.

Associated Press