OCTA and the coach operators’ union are continuing to meet in the hope of resolving contract disputes and avoiding a potential interruption in bus service.
“Everyone at OCTA wants to avoid a strike because nobody wins. Any bus service disruption hurts those in our community who can least afford to be hurt at a time when access to transportation is critical,” said OCTA Chairman Mark A. Murphy, also the Mayor of Orange. “There’s no reason we can’t continue negotiating in good faith and reach a resolution without putting a tremendous burden on OC Bus riders.”
Public transit is critical for people to reach jobs, education, healthcare, grocery shopping and elsewhere. Approximately 85% of riders use OC Bus as their primary means of transportation and more than half of riders have a total household income of less than $50,000.
OCTA remains hopeful that talks with the union can result in a resolution that rewards the hard work of drivers, is competitive in the region and is fiscally responsible. OCTA has sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom asking the state to intervene. OCTA would request the state institute a “cooling-off” period, during which time drivers would continue working while negotiations resume because of the significant impact a strike has on the health, safety and welfare of the public.