METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

OC Bus Service Resumes

While a deal has yet to be reached, labor negotiations are ongoing between OCTA and the union representing OCTA’s 150 maintenance workers.

OC Bus Service Resumes

OCTA said it remains committed to reaching a resolution through negotiations noting a strike is unnecessary and unfairly burdens bus passengers. 

Photo: OCTA

2 min to read


The Orange County Transportations Authority announced bus service in Orange County has resumed and passengers are advised they can expect some service delays following a four-day strike of maintenance employees, according to the agency's news release.

While a deal has yet to be reached, labor negotiations are ongoing between OCTA and the union representing OCTA’s 150 maintenance workers. The union agreed to resume meetings with OCTA, with talks occurring over the weekend and continuing.

Ad Loading...

The union ended its picket lines around 4 p.m. Sunday, but union leaders have also said they could call a strike again at any time, which would further disrupt bus service for the more than 100,000 daily riders in Orange County. 

OCTA said it remains committed to reaching a resolution through negotiations noting a strike is unnecessary and unfairly burdens bus passengers. 

“We hope that there will be no further disruption in service and that we can work this out without affecting the people that count on OC Bus to get to work, school, and other important destinations,” said Mark A. Murphy, OCTA chairman.

Approximately 85% of riders use OC Bus as their primary means of transportation and more than half of riders have a total household income of less than $50,000, according to OCTA.

OCTA has met with the union more than 25 times, including mediated sessions, to negotiate a new contract. The existing contract expired Sept. 30. 

More Bus

Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.

Read More →
King County Metro electric buses made by GILLIG.
Busby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Seattle's King County Metro Introduces New Battery-Electric Buses

Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says

The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 28, 2026

New Orleans RTA Reaches Agreement with ATU

The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.

Read More →
Two ABQ RIDE busses at an intersection by Gold street in front of a parking structure.
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

ABQ RIDE Launches Campaign to Bring Riders Back to the Bus

A new citywide campaign highlights free fares, improved service, and major upgrades to Albuquerque’s bus system.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.

Read More →
Railby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 26, 2026

People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Security and SafetyJanuary 22, 2026

Researchers Identify Top Risk Factors for Pedestrian-vehicle Crashes at Massachusetts Bus Stops

While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ManagementJanuary 22, 2026

Florida's JTA Unveils Mobility Visioning Plan 2050 at State of the Authority Event

CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.

Read More →