Commuter chaos reined in Philadelphia Wednesday, where a transit strike entered its second day.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority walkout that began Tuesday was expected to fray nerves further as public school students who had a day off on election day returned to class.

Street traffic already jammed by extra cars was even more congested, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

"The real test is (this) morning, when schools are in full session," said MaryAnn Tierney, Philadelphia's director of emergency management.

Mayor Michael Nutter said the transit strike had "ambushed" the city. "This is unfair to the citizens," he said.

The city assigned shuttles to remote parking lots to bring municipal workers to their jobs, relaxed some parking restrictions and allowed some to change their work schedules. Road construction was halted during daytime hours.

Tempers rose, the newspaper said. "Everybody is in a recession. Everybody wants a raise. You just can't stop working. Everybody lost in this game," said commuter Nicketta Burden.