York Region ends First Canada contract
Posted January 16, 2012 5:42 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
York Region has terminated its contract with First Canada, which operates 29 YRT/Viva routes for the region, and is looking for a replacement, the municipality says in a release.
The municipality has notified First Canada of its “legal right” to end its North Division contract early. It was set to expire on June 27.
“We did receive notice today from YRT and we are co-ordinating next steps with them. We do not have knowledge yet on how this will impact service or the ongoing labor stoppage,” said Jen Biddinger, a spokesperson for First Canada.
Bus drivers of First Canada and two other operators (Miller Transit and York BRT Services) have been on strike since Oct. 24, 2011, affecting about 44,000 riders.
A new contract with a different contractor to operate these routes will be presented to York Regional Council on Jan. 26 for review and approval, York Region said. The new contractor would provide services on Route 98 on Yonge Street between Newmarket and Richmond Hill beginning Feb. 5.
York Region chairman and chief executive Bill Fisch said in the release that it is “outrageous” that nearly a month has passed since First Canada and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 last met to negotiate their agreement.
“This strike continues in the midst of winter at the expense of riders,” he said. “With neither side showing any regard or urgency, and no resolution in sight, we are doing everything we can to help restore transit service for our riders while protecting the taxpayer.”
The municipality said it also issued letters to York BRT Services and Miller Transit requesting “a detailed service recovery plan” by Jan. 20, “outlining additional region-wide service restoration options while the transit strike continues.”
