Watch CBS News

AC Transit Riders Notice Slower Service

OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS) _ Another day and more bus drivers failed to show up for work for AC Transit on Wednesday.

For the third day in a row, AC Transit officials said some of the system's drivers did not show up for work, calling in sick.

Leaders of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192 said there is no "sick-out" stemming from their anger over the contract that was imposed on them on Sunday.

But, AC Transit officials tell KCBS that at least 230 drivers did not show up for work on Wednesday. They said on average, about 100 drivers call in sick on a daily basis.

Riders Already Noticing Changes

Many bus riders in downtown Oakland are taking a peek down the street to see if there bus is on its way.

Some say they've been waiting longer for buses to arrive ever since AC transit and negotiators for bus drivers have been locked in the labor dispute.

"On Sunday, we waited for almost two hours for the 98th by McDonald's and we waited over an hour for the 45," said one concerned passenger.

Click to listen

Podcast

Another AC Transit rider said she's been keeping up with the issue, but it isn't making her life any easier.

"This is ridiculous. They need to go and get something together," she said. "They're raising the fares and then you can't come on time? That's not good."

An Alameda County Superior Court judge has scheduled a full hearing for July 30 on the drivers' request for an injunction blocking the imposition of the contract.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.