OCTA Warns Riders Of Potential Bus Driver Strike Next Week

ORANGE, CA — Transit service throughout Orange County could be interrupted next week, as bus drivers agreed to go on strike if contract talks continue to stall with the Orange County Transportation Authority.

The public transit agency said the strike could happen as soon as Feb. 15 and that anyone who relies on bus service should "begin thinking about alternate arrangements."

A meeting between the transit agency and the bus drivers union, Teamsters Local 952, is scheduled for Wednesday, the agency said in a statement.

"OCTA is in ongoing contract negotiations with coach operators, and we remain hopeful that we can reach a deal and avoid any disruption in bus service," the agency said.

A strike would impact 20 bus routes that account for two-thirds of OCTA's ridership, the Orange County Register reported.

Some services — such as OC ACCESS, OC Flex and same-day taxi services for people with disabilities — won't be affected by the strike, OCTA officials said.

Select bus lines may also continue to operate, as the union represents about 75 percent of the agency's bus drivers, according to Voice of OC.

The recent contract that the bus drivers union had with OCTA expired on April 30, 2021. At the center of negotiations for the new contract are rest breaks for drivers, Voice of OC reported.

Not enough time is given in a driver's schedule to allow for adequate restroom breaks, according to Voice of OC's reporting. The lack of proper breaks has led to many drivers urinating themselves or wearing padded underwear to keep their buses on schedule, according to drivers and union officials.