Traffic & Transit
MTS Trolley, Busses Halt Amid Work Stoppage: La Mesa
Negotiations between First Transit and drivers will impact minibus and paratransit service, according to MTS. Check routes before you go.
LA MESA, CA — Transit riders who use the Metropolitan Transit System's minibus and Access service in San Diego and La Mesa should investigate alternative methods of travel this week, as a work stoppage between the private operator and labor got underway Wednesday.
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First Transit, which operates the services, is in contract negotiations with its bus operators, represented by Teamsters Local 542.
Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Both parties are hopeful that an agreement will be made soon," according to an MTS statement.
Teamsters were picketing outside First Transit in El Centro as of Tuesday morning, according to the local's Twitter feed.
Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The following minibus routes may be impacted: 14, 18, 83, 84, 870, 944, 945A, and Sorrento Valley COASTER Connection: Routes 972, 973, 978, 979.
Additionally, the following bus routes out of the South Bay division may be impacted: 1, 3, 5, 27, 28, 35, 225, 701, 704, 705, 709, 712, 901, 904, 905, 906, 907, 909, 916, 917, 923, 929, 932, 933, 934, 950/950A, 955, 961, 962, 963, 967, 968, 992.
According to MTS, First Transit/Transdev will continue to fill as many trips as possible with qualified providers and drivers while the work stoppage is in effect.
Passengers can check the MTS Alerts & Detours webpage (sdmts.com/getting-around/alerts-detours) for updates and most accurate service information. Passengers can also contact MTS Information & Trip Planning for trip planning assistance at 619-233-3004, or use the online trip planner at sdmts.com/trip-planner. MTS Access riders can call 888-517-9627 or visit sdmts.com/work-stoppage for recommended alternative transportation options.
"MTS will update the public as more information is received, but urges the public to plan ahead for this potential disruption," a statement from the transit agency reads. "MTS Trolley is unaffected and will operate according to schedule."
For more information or to check for service disruptions in your area visit www.sdmts.com
City News Service, Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.
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