Last Time: OCTA Calls on Union to Resume Talks
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.

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

New York MTA Plans Largest Bus Fleet Upgrade in More Than a Decade
The agency is seeking manufacturers for 650 new CNG buses to replace aging vehicles, improve reliability, and advance its broader fleet modernization strategy.
Read More →Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification
John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: Keeping Transit Technicians Ahead of the Technology Curve
LA Metro’s Obed Mejia discusses technician training, evolving maintenance technology, fleet replacement, and strategies for getting the most out of today’s transit fleets.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
People Movement: Holly Arnold Joins Transdev and More
In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at Pace, CamTran, MCI, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
The High Cost of Transit Buses: Industry Leaders Look to Procurement Reform
Transit leaders and policymakers examine how standardized bus designs, streamlined procurement, and predictable funding could help agencies stretch budgets and deliver better service.
Read More →
The Business Voice Behind Public Transportation
As chair of APTA’s Business Members Board of Governors, Ray Melleady explains how more than 850 business members are partnering with transit agencies to advance funding, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.
Read More →From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →
LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement
The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.
Read More →