The Orange County Transportation Authority’s OC ACCESS paratransit service is expected to return to regular, full service by Monday, following a vote by 250 contracted drivers who have been on striking against their employer, First Transit/Transdev.
OC ACCESS paratransit service is for riders with physical or cognitive limitations that prevent them from using the regular OC Bus service. OCTA contracts operation of the service to First Transit/Transdev which has been in months-long contract negotiations with Teamsters Local 952.
The Teamsters have been conducting serial strikes over the last year or so, immobilizing various aspects of OCTA transit service.
The previous contract between the two parties expired at the end of 2022 and negotiations had been ongoing until the union chose to strike on May 3. OCTA was not involved in the labor negotiations.
On average, OC ACCESS provides about 3,500 trips per day.
“We are very pleased that the two sides have reached a resolution and that full service will return for the paratransit riders who rely on OC ACCESS to maintain their independence, and reach critical destinations,” said OCTA Chairman Gene Hernandez, also the mayor of Yorba Linda. “We understand what a tremendous burden this work stoppage has been, and we look forward to restoring this vital service.”
With the announced end to the strike, Same-Day Taxi service and OC ACCESS subscription service are also being restored, as well as full service for OC Flex, OCTA’s on-demand microtransit service operating in Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo.
