The Phoenix Public Transit Department has been informed by Transdev, one of its contracted bus service providers, that members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1433 rejected the company’s last and best offer after the latest round of negotiations earlier this week.
ATU leadership called for a strike following the announcement of the vote results, meaning that bus service for 34 Phoenix routes is disrupted starting at midnight tonight, which affects service beginning Jan. 8
Public Transit Department staff is working with Transdev to provide contingency service on affected bus routes as resources become available. Transdev’s contract requires them to run a reduced level of service, although doing so requires time for the company to get personnel trained and in place.
Collective bargaining agreements for the Transdev contract that operates 34 of Phoenix’s bus routes expired June 30, and then extended to Sept. 30. These routes are some of the most heavily used in the city. Transdev and the ATU, which represents bus operators, have been in ongoing negotiations since April.
Passengers can continue to receive updates at www.phoenix.gov/publictransit and can get additional information at valleymetro.org.Check the status of all bus service by calling Valley Metro Customer Service or get the latest in transit news on Facebook and Twitter.
