Saturday, May 27, 2023
MTS Access and Minibus Service
MTS Access service is significantly impacted by the work stoppage and limited service will be available to riders. We recommend riders use alternative transportation.
Copley Park Division (MTS Access and minibus service): Bus routes out of the Copley Park Division that could be impacted include: MTS Access, 14, 18, 25, 83, 84, 833, 838, 944, 945, 946, 964, 965, 985; Saturdays: 832, 833, 838, 945, 965; Sundays: 832, 833, 838.
A work stoppage is currently in effect at the South Bay Bus Division and Copley Park Division due to negotiations between Transdev/First Transit and employees. East County has regular service at this time. Please plan for limited or no service to the following routes, effective immediately, and until further notice. Should more operators become available, service is added to route with the highest ridership needs and service area coverage. For specific information on what service may be available by specific route, please contact Information and Trip Planning at 619-233-3004.
South Bay Bus Division: Bus routes out of the South Bay division that could be impacted include: 1, 3, 5, 27, 28, 35, 225, 701, 704, 705, 709, 712, 901, 904, 905, 906, 907, 909, 916, 917, 923, 929, 932, 933, 934, 950/950A, 955, 961, 962, 963, 967, 968, 992.
East County Bus Division: East County is experiencing regular scheduled service at this time. To verify in real time if there is service on your route please contact the MTS Information & Trip Planning Office at (619) 233-3004 between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Imperial Avenue Division: Operating normal service
Kearny Mesa Division: Operating normal service
Trolley System: Operating normal service
Please note: real-time service information (such as the OneBusAway app) may not be accurate.
Passengers can also contact MTS Information & Trip Planning for trip planning assistance at (619) 233-3004. MTS Access riders can contact at 888-517-9627 for recommended alternative transportation options.
FAQs
Why are the First Transit employees not working?
The Union agreement is between the Teamsters Local 542 and First Transit. Therefore, MTS is not a party to the negotiations and does not have information on details. First Transit is actively negotiating with the Teamsters 542 and remains hopeful to come to an amicable resolution soon with minimal disruption to the riding public. For press or media inquiries related to the agreement or negotiations, contact First Transit/Transdev at Mitun.Seguin@transdev.com or 301-674-3733.
When will the stoppage end?
The work stoppage will continue until further notice. MTS will continue to work with First Transit to provide our passengers with updated information as it becomes available. MTS will have information and updates available on its website – www.sdmts.com.
What is the relationship between First Transit and MTS?
First Transit is MTS’ contracted service provider for Paratransit and a limited number of fixed route services using minibusses. These employees are not directly employed by MTS. The Union agreement covering their employment is between, Teamsters Local 542 and First Transit. MTS does not have any authority or involvement in the negotiations.
What MTS service does this work stoppage impact?
First Transit operates MTS Access service and some MTS fixed-route services. MTS Access is the paratransit operation that provides service for passengers with disabilities who are functionally unable to use the regular MTS fixed-route bus and Trolley system. First Transit is accommodating some of the Access trips using alternative transportation options, such as taxis during this work stoppage.
For the fixed-route minibus services that First Transit operates, MTS will use alternative resources to operate as many routes, and as frequently, as possible. The work stoppage could possibly affect the following routes: 14, 18, 25, 83, 84, 832 (weekends only), 833, 838, 944, 945/945A, 964, 965, 972, 973, 974, 978, 979 and 985. For additional information and alternate routing options, please contact the MTS Information and Trip Planning office at (619) 233-3004. You may also find additional information as updates are available online at www.sdmts.com. Please note that the availability and service for individual routes may vary from day to day, so please check these resources frequently for the most current service impacts each day.
Does the work stoppage impact Trolley service?
No, MTS Trolley service is not impacted.
How much bus service is impacted by the work stoppage?
The vast majority of MTS fixed-route bus service will not be impacted. With approximately 100 routes in the MTS system, 14 routes are impacted. This means 86% of routes will remain on schedule with no interruptions.
If my bus route is impacted, how can I plan a trip?
For additional information and alternate routing options, please contact the MTS Information and Trip Planning office at (619) 233-3004. You may also find additional information as updates are available online at www.sdmts.com.
What are other transportation options available to MTS Access passengers?
The following is a list of providers who may be able to assist with transportation for MTS Access.
Download Alternative MTS Access Transportation Provider List (PDF)
OTHER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
- Yellow Cab: 619-234-6161
- FACT 888-924-3228
- Jewish Family Services: 858-637-3210
- Transportation Network Companies, such as Uber and Lyft
Will NCTD service be impacted?
NCTD service is not impacted. For a limited time, NCTD+ is providing discounted trips for the first and last miles with a 16-mile defined geographic zone near the Sorrento Valley COASTER Station with Uber, Lyft, or TripShot. For more information please go to: GoNCTD.com/services/nctdplus
How long will the work stoppage last?
Unfortunately, MTS has no way of knowing how long it will last. MTS will continue to work with First Transit to provide customers with updated information on the status of the work stoppage, as well as service schedules.
Will you let us when this is resolved?
Yes, MTS will post information on its website to let customers know the latest information. Customers are encouraged to check this page frequently for updated information.