If you ride the bus, make other plans on Monday. Cap Metro is getting all Norma Rae on Austin’s ass. Here’s the full press release:

AUSTIN, Texas, January 29, 2005 – The union representing Capital Metro’s contracted StarTran bargaining employees has announced plans to go on strike as of 12 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30, 2006. The ATU, representing 850 employees, announced plans to strike after negotiations on Sunday, Jan. 29th failed to result in a new contract.

Capital Metro is greatly disappointed that StarTran and the Union were not able to reach an agreement, particularly in light of the concessions made by StarTran in order to accommodate the Union’s wishes,” said Capital Metro President/CEO Fred Gilliam.

“Capital Metro recognizes the impact this strike will have on our community, and we are committed to doing everything we can to accommodate our riders on Monday, when Union employees walk away from their jobs,” added Gilliam.
Until further notice, the strike action interrupts transit service, beginning Monday, to Capital Metro Bus customers. UT shuttle buses will operate as usual, and the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) will not be affected by the strike.
Some routes will be temporarily suspended. Weekend service may be cancelled and customers should expect delays.

The following modified routes will be available and Capital Metro may add additional routes as resources become available.

Routes
1L/1M North Lamar/South Congress
2 Rosewood
3 Burnet/Manchaca
7 Duval /27 Dove Springs
10 South First /20 Manor Road
15 Red River /16 South Fifth
17 Johnston
37 Colony Park
137 Colony Park Flyer
300 Govalle Crosstown
325 Ohlen Crosstown
331 Oltorf

These routes will operate from 6:00 am until 7:00 pm.

This scaled back system of routes will operate to provide coverage to Capital Metro’s highest traveled routes, as well as to major destinations such as hospitals, medical facilities, schools, the downtown business district, the Capitol complex, UT and other universities and major employers. Areas with high levels of transit-dependent riders have also been prioritized.

Special Transit Service will also operate from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. Reservation priority will be given to those riders in need of dialysis or other medical appointments, followed by riders needing transportation to work or school.
Capital Metro is urging its customers to review the limited service options available, and make other transit plans if necessary. They can call 512-474-1200 for information on limited service available or log onto capmetro.org for rideshare options.