Transit strike cripples Denver

Hundreds of thousands of Denver-area commuters were left without transportation this week after Denver Regional Transit District (RTD) workers walked off the job.

About 1,700 bus drivers, mechanics and light rail operators, who are members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1001, started picket lines early Monday, protesting the RTD’s latest contract offer.

Officials said the agency would run 45% of its bus routes, but light rail service, regional service, transit centers and the 16th Street Mall shuttle would be closed during the strike.

"Our members have been working seven days a week without a day off and have worked for three years without a wage increase," said Local 1001 president Yvette Salazar. "We want to apologize to our riders, but the workers are extremely tired. This is the last straw."

The RTD had 86.2 million passenger boardings last year, with an average of about 275,000 riders each weekday.