This post was originally published on this site
OC Bus service will continue on Monday, with some delays possible for passengers, as contract talks are expected to resume between the Orange County Transportation Authority and the union representing its 150 maintenance employees.
OCTA had urged the union to continue negotiations after talks broke off Sunday. Late in the day, both OCTA and the union were contacted by the Governor’s office requesting the parties to continue negotiating.
“OC Bus is a critical public service for tens of thousands of Orange County residents and stopping service would unnecessarily harm those who rely upon us including students, seniors and workers who have no other means to travel,” said OCTA Chairman Mark A. Murphy, also the Mayor of Orange. “For all of our riders, I’m very happy that service will continue.”
OC Bus is essential to ensuring the public can access employment and healthcare. Service is also vital to students to get to and from school. In the past year, more than 3 million trips have been taken on OC Bus with OCTA’s Youth Ride Free and college pass programs. In addition, approximately 85% of riders use OC Bus as their primary means of transportation.
OCTA’s existing contract with the union expired Sept. 30. OCTA met with the union leaders more than 20 times since May to negotiate a new contract that rewards mechanics and service workers for the valuable work they perform.
OCTA will continue to keep riders informed of any important updates. Please visit octa.net.
