Dallas Area Rapid Transit is preparing customers for possible disruptions to paratransit and GoLink services as contract provider Transdev Services Inc. continues labor negotiations with the Amalgamated Transit Union local representing paratransit workers.
DART announced it is activating contingency plans and communicating with riders ahead of a potential strike involving Transdev employees. No strike has been called, and negotiations remain ongoing.
“DART remains hopeful Transdev and ATU Local 1388 can come to an agreement. However, we have a responsibility to prepare our riders for potential disruptions to the services they rely on,” said Trenise Winters, DART executive vice president and chief operations officer.
“By activating contingency plans now, we can maintain continuity of service in the event a strike does occur,” Winters added.
Potential Service Impacts
Transdev operates DART’s paratransit and GoLink services under contract.
Paratransit provides door-to-door transportation for qualifying individuals with disabilities who cannot use DART’s fixed-route bus or rail network. GoLink offers on-demand transportation service within designated zones throughout DART’s service area.
DART said it remains committed to completing scheduled trips even if delays occur. Some paratransit customers could experience longer wait times or late arrivals if a strike takes place.
The transit agency said affected riders may be contacted directly to discuss individualized travel plans.
Customers would be able to monitor trip status through the DART Paratransit mobile application or by calling 214-515-7272. DART said recurring reservations would be prioritized, and new reservations would continue to be accepted.
Union Raises Concerns
The labor dispute centers on negotiations between Transdev and its unionized workforce.
According to union officials, workers voted 160-1 two weeks ago to authorize a strike after months of contract negotiations. Union leaders said members have raised concerns about wages, healthcare costs, workplace treatment, and bargaining practices.
“The membership had spoken and they’re tired of being disrespected, treated unfairly and they want their voice to be heard,” Bernard Wade, vice president of the union representing paratransit employees, told KERA.
Wade said workers do not want to disrupt transportation services relied upon by seniors and people with disabilities.
Union leaders also criticized Transdev’s contract proposals.
“Transdev continues to present insulting proposals that leave workers choosing between healthcare and survival,” ATU International Vice President Ken Day said in a statement sent to The Dallas Express ahead of a planned June 16 appearance before the DART Board of Directors.
Workers contend that healthcare costs under the company’s proposal would remain unaffordable for many employees and that wage increases do not meet standards outlined in the DART contract.
“Our members are devoted to this work and to their riders, who depend on them. However, under this last offer they still can’t afford to live in the Dallas area they serve,” ATU International President John Costa said in a statement sent to DX. “They refuse to be treated with disrespect by a corporation that cares more about the bottom line than their employees and their riders. We don’t want to strike but will do what is necessary to get the fair contract these workers deserve.”
DART Continues Preparations
DART emphasized that the strike authorization applies only to Transdev employees and not to DART personnel.
The agency said customers should plan ahead and allow additional travel time if a strike occurs. For trip information or questions regarding paratransit service, customers can contact DART Paratransit at 214-515-7272.
