PRTC fares expected to rise as strike looms

OmniRide bus drivers will not strike for at least another 30 days, as company and union officials continue to work out the details of a new operator’s contract.

Representatives from First Transit, Inc., the agency contracted to provide bus service for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, worked well past a midnight Tuesday deadline to come to a consensus for a new labor agreement with officials from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union.

While no new agreement was made, their contract was extended at least until April 2.

AFSCME spokesman Charles Smith said drivers want wages comparable to that of drivers at Fairfax Connector, the municipal transit service in Fairfax County. The rate for new drivers at PRTC starts at $14.73 per hour, while starting Connector drivers make $16.30 per hour, said Smith. After five years, Smith said the average PRTC hourly rate is $18.48 while Connector drivers are paid on average $21.44 per hour.

“Negotiations are always very difficult on the private sector side because of the interests that everyone has. First Transit wants to make a profit and the drivers want to make a living, and the interest is who can win in that competition,” said Smith.

With a strike still looming, members of the PRTC Board are expected tonight to approve a sweeping fare hike.

Under the proposal, OmniRide cash fares would increase 50 cents to $7 one way, and SmarTrip fares would increase 50 cents to $5.25. OmniRide Metro Direct cash fares would increase 30 cents to $3.30, and SmarTrip fares would increase 25 cents to $2.65.

OmniLink cash fares would increase 15 cents to $1.25, and SmarTrip fares would increase 10 cents to $1.20.

Additionally, if Congress chooses to extend a $230 transit subsidy for federal employees beyond January 2011, PRTC will add an additional 25 cents to OmniRide commuter bus fares.

The fare increase is expected to generate $690,000 in additional revenue for PRTC in fiscal year 2011, and will offset the effects of increasing ridership, state cuts in the 2010 budget, and an $86,000 cut in the 2011 budget, PRTC officials said.

At a series of public hearings last month, many questioned the need for the fare increase, while others said they were neutral about it. Many who spokes asked for new and more frequent bus service.

“Sentiments expressed by those that did comment were mixed — five expressing support, or support with qualifications, nine expressing opposition or opposition on a qualified basis, and five commenting neutrally,” stated PRTC documents.

Despite talks of strike and fare increases, bus service operated as usual Wednesday, though the transit agency developed a plan in the event drivers did not work. Some contracted drivers PRTC temporarily hired were brought in to drive some morning runs after First Transit drivers were up late, involved in contract negotiations.

Those negotiations are expected to continue next week in Woodbridge.

Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.