Woodbridge, Va. — Transit officials in Prince William County are bracing for the impacts of a possible bus operator strike.
The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission located in Woodbridge said Wednesday that its contracted operator, First Transit, Inc., is negotiations with unions that represent its bus operators, and stated a current contract is set to expire at midnight Friday.
PRTC, which operates OmniLink and OmniRide bus services in Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park, didnât note what operators are seeking in their new contract.
With a strike looming as early as Saturday, the transit agency did release details of three possible scenarios the agency will use in an attempt maintain service in the event of a strike.
Scenario 1
All bus services operate regular service using PRTC buses, but OmniLink off-route trips may be suspended. This option could require using bus operators from other transit providers to supplement existing personnel. Operators will have turn-by-turn instructions, but we ask passengers to please offer directional assistance if required. Regular fares will be charged on all buses.
Scenario 2
OmniLink and Cross County Connector local buses operate regular service using PRTC buses and existing personnel, but OmniLink off-route trips may be suspended. Regular fares will be charged on local buses.
OmniRide and Metro Direct buses operate regular service using PRTC buses and existing personnel, supplemented as necessary by buses and bus operators from other transportation providers. Since some non-PRTC buses will be used, riders should look for signs in the windshields of other buses. Operators will have turn-by-turn instructions, but we ask passengers to please offer directional assistance if required. Fares will be free for OmniRide and Metro Direct passengers.
Scenario 3
OmniLink and Cross County Connector local buses operate regular service using PRTC buses and existing personnel, but OmniLink off-route trips may be suspended. Regular fares will be charged on local buses.
OmniRide and Metro Direct buses operate on the Emergency Service Plan (ESP), with service only to/from the Franconia-Springfield and West Falls Church Metro stations. Buses and bus operators from other transportation providers may be used to supplement existing personnel. Since some non-PRTC buses may be used, riders should look for signs in the windshields of other buses. Operators will have turn-by-turn instructions, but we ask passengers to please offer directional assistance if required. Fares will be free for OmniRide and Metro Direct passengers.
Transit officials said they will use several methods of updating riders if drivers decide to strike, including posting information about any service changes on their website. PRTC and First Transit, Inc. gave apologies in advance if a driver strike impacts passengers in the coming days.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditionsâno plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treatâit’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and donât worryâthere will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But thatâs not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Yearâs wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. Weâre bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
Whatâs in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Pucciniâs âThe Girl from the Golden Westâ.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Pucciniâs masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
