ParaTransit deal seems likely soon

by joshua rhett miller / metro new york

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DEC 18, 2007

Manhattan. A federal mediator expressed optimism last night after a tentative settlement had been reached during talks between striking van drivers and the companies that provide public transportation for thousand of disabled New Yorkers.

Ralph Quattrocchi, commissioner of the federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, told Metro that representatives for the Para Transit Drivers and Mechanics of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181-1061 and the Paratransit Operators Coalitions had productive negotiations last night.

“We’re hopeful that this proposal will meet the needs of the union membership and be ratified,” he said of the vote to be held in Queens tomorrow.

The work stoppage, entering its second week, will continue until drivers vote on the offer.

The Paratransit Operators Coalition represents four of the 14 companies that provide Access-A-Ride van service for the MTA, which is not involved in the negotiations. The MTA’s Paratransit providers were able to accept roughly 80 percent of trips requested for a typical Monday. Nearly 14,000 trips were handled yesterday and roughly 15,000 trips are anticipated today.

© 2007 Metro