A strike that interrupted some Metropolitan Transit System bus routes in San Diego entered its second day Thursday.
Unionized drivers — members of Teamsters Local 542 — took to the picket lines Wednesday after contract negotiations with their employer, First Transit, reached a standstill. First Transit supplies drivers for paratransit vehicles and 18 of the 95 MTS bus routes, according to the company.
Affected MTS Access service and bus routes include 14, 18, 83, 84, 88, 833, 851, 870, 944, 945, 946, 965, 972, 973, 978 and 979. Routes 25 and 964 were operating with limited service, according to MTS.
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.
First Transit officials said in a statement that 80 percent of all MTS Access trips Wednesday were completed using third-party providers.
"Right now, our priority is to provide transportation for as many passengers as we are able focusing on those most vulnerable passengers that need to get to a medical appointment," First Transit Senior Vice President Nick Promponas said.
Major bus routes and the trolley were not affected by the work stoppage, according to MTS. However, Access paratransit in the North County was halted due to the strike, as was the Sorrento Valley Coaster Connection bus shuttle service, according to the North County Transit District.
MTS Access riders and riders of affected fixed route services were encouraged to make alternate transportation arrangements by calling (888) 517-9627 or (800) 921-9664. Those who usually use services in the North County were asked to call (760) 726-1111.
