VTA commuters asked to make backup plans as possible typing titles

San Jose – A work dispute could throw a key in the travel plans of South Bay commuters.

On Monday, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and the local 265 of the merged public transport union were still working to conclude a new agreement. The current contract expires at midnight.

The members of the union voted in mid-February to authorize a potential strike. The union represents more than 1,500 workers, including bus drivers, tram operators and distributors.

“Given this development situation, VTA encourages residents and businesses to start preparing for alternative travel methods in the event of a strike,” the agency said in a press release.

The alternatives to public transport include carpooling, carpooling and cycling.

According to the agency, the VTA paratransit service will pursue regular operations, but in the event of a strike, the VTA bus and Rail Bus services will not be available, according to the agency.

In a statement last week, the union expressed its frustration with a previous offer, which called for a salary increase of 1% per year for three years, and accused the VTA of not keeping its promises of improving working conditions after a mass shooting on May 26, 2021.

A union spokesperson did not immediately send a message asking for comments on the contract talks.

Come back for updates.

Originally published: March 3, 2025 at 9:59 p.m. PST