Several San Diego First Student bus lines shut down as IBT 542 union drivers go on strike

Several San Diego First Student bus lines shut down as IBT 542 union drivers go on strike
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/may/25/bus-drivers-strike-...
By Debbi Baker | 8:51 a.m. May 25, 2016

First Transit bus drivers strike in front of company headquarters in Kearny Mesa Wednesday morning. — John Gastaldo

Hundreds of bus drivers went on strike Wednesday morning leaving thousands of commuters who rely on public transportation without rides.

The First Transit union workers walked out after they and their employer reached an impasse in contract negotiations over wages.

Teamsters union 542 said on its website that it had rejected the company's "last, best and final offer" and the drivers formed picket lines beginning at 3 a.m. this morning. The union said that strikers will be picketing 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

According to MTS officials, the work stoppage will not affect most routes and all trolleys, however at least 18 lines are being disrupted.

They are 14, 18, 25, 83, 84, 88, 833, 851, 870, 944, 945, 945A, 964, 965, 972, 973, 978 and 979, said MTS spokesman Rob Schupp. Lines 25 and 964 will, however, have some limited service, said Schupp.

Some 4,300 people travel on those routes on weekdays and they should all "seek other arrangements," Schupp said.

Contingency plans have also been made for the people who take the MTS Access service, which caters to those who need help getting on and off public transportation. The spokesman said that 1,400 trips have been scheduled today and that all of those buses will be replaced by non-union drivers or Yellow cabs.

People who need more information can call (619) 233-3004 or check the company's website.