Service interruptions to some Metropolitan Transit System bus routes in San Diego began Wednesday after contract negotiations between unionized drivers and their employer, First Transit, reached a standstill.
First Transit and the drivers it supplies for MTS Access paratransit vehicles and 18 of MTS's 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.
MTS Access paratransit 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.
