Following from Justin Ward’s coverage last week, busdrivers’ union Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1091 is holding its vote tonight on whether to accept the latest pay offer from Capital Metro and its main contractor StarTran. The offer is 3.5% immediately, 3.25% each year for the next two years, and $1,000 in compensation for wages lost for working under the old contract. But the union argues the new plan guts health care provision, which is already below what is offered to city and state employees.
Cap Metro and StarTran are preparing for the possibiity of a strike, and put out a press release today saying that, if the drivers walk out, they are ready to run a handful of routes (1L/1M, 3, 4, 7, 10, 17, 20, 37, 300, 331) on a reduced service from 6am to 7.30pm, while Capital MetroAccess for passengers with disabilities will operate weekdays only. UT shuttle buses and the Capital Area Rural Transportation System should be unaffected. “Should employees walk off the job,” the Cap Metro press release added grimly, “StarTran will be recruiting to fill positions.”
See Cap Metro’s press release after the jump.
Capital Metro Prepares for Union Vote
Authority Ready to Operate Reduced Level of Service if Strike Occurs
August 20, 2008Today, as the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1091 (ATU 1091) votes on StarTran’s final contract offer, Capital Metro customers can continue to depend on service. Should a service interruption occur, StarTran and Capital Metro are prepared to serve the public by operating key bus routes. Capital Metro remains hopeful that the union and StarTran can come to an agreement; however, customers should be prepared for possible transit service disruption. Capital Metro cannot predict if or when a strike may occur, but the Authority will be ready to operate on a reduced level of service to provide coverage to the busiest routes and those that serve major destinations such as hospitals, schools, the central business district, and areas with a high number of riders.
In the event of a transit union strike, the following modified routes will be available daily from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., at least every 45 minutes. No fares will be charged during a strike.
Routes in Service Prior to August 24 (Fall Service Change)
1L/1M North Lamar/South Congress
2 Rosewood
3 Burnet/Manchaca
4 Montopolis
7 Duval / 27 Dove Springs
10 South First/ 20 Manor Road
17 Johnston
26 Riverside
37 Colony Park/Windsor Park
300 Govalle
325 Ohlen
331 OltorfRoutes in Service After August 24 (Fall Service Change)
1L/1M North Lamar/South Congress
3 Burnet/Manchaca
4 Montopolis
7 Duval/Dove Springs
10 South First/Red River
17 Cesar Chavez
20 Manor Road/Riverside
37 Colony Park/Windsor Park
300 Govalle
331 OltorfCapital Metro will add additional service as resources become available.
Capital MetroAccess (formerly Special Transit Service) for passengers with disabilities also will operate at a reduced service level from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays only. Reservation priority will be given to customers in need of dialysis or urgent medical appointments followed by riders needing transportation to work or school, if resources and capacity allow. UT Shuttle routes and the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) are expected to operate as originally scheduled. UT Shuttle routes are available to the general public and may provide viable transportation options in lieu of riders’ regular routes.
Capital Metro will assign staff to park and ride facilities and other major transfer points to assist customers in the event of a strike. Capital Metro urges customers to review the limited service options available and to be prepared with alternate transportation plans such as carpooling. The very latest information on routes will be posted on www.capmetro.org and available by calling (512) 474-1200.
Should employees walk off the job, StarTran will be recruiting to fill positions.
This article appears in August 15 • 2008.
