SAN DIEGO -- Service interruptions to some Metropolitan Transit System bus routes in San Diego began Wednesday morning after contract negotiations between unionized drivers and their employer, First Transit, reached a standstill.
First Transit and the drivers it supplies for paratransit vehicles and 18 of the 95 bus routes failed to reach an agreement on a new contract, MTS announced. Major bus routes and the trolley will not be affected by the work stoppage, according to MTS.
Affected MTS Access service and bus routes include 14, 18, 25, 83, 84, 88, 833, 851, 870, 944, 945, 946, 964, 965, 972, 973, 978 and 979. Access paratransit in the North County was also halted due to the work stoppage, and commuters will not be able to use the Coaster Connection service, according to the North County Transit District.
Meanwhile, dozens of striking MTS workers gathered outside First Transit offices in Kearny Mesa to protest the contract negotiations this morning.
Sometime before 5:30 a.m., a motorcyclist who was driving through the crowd of protesters to get into First Transit’s parking lot allegedly struck two MTS workers who were blocking the entry way. Neither was seriously hurt. It was unclear if any citations would be issued.
According to the company, MTS Access drivers provide 1,900 daily curb-to- curb trips that get people to hospitals, doctor appointments and regional care centers. The bus routes are generally served by mini-buses and carry around 4,300 passengers a day.
Major bus routes and the trolley would not be affected by a work stoppage, according to MTS.
Dozens of striking MTS workers gathered outside First Transit offices in Kearny Mesa to protest the contract negotiations.
Sometime before 5:30 a.m., a motorcyclist who was driving through the crowd of protesters to get into First Transit’s parking lot struck two MTS workers who were blocking the entry way. Neither was seriously hurt. It was unclear if any citations would be issued.
