The Latest Rumor

Port Authority is planning a 30% service cut.

Truth: There are no immediate plans at this time to implement a 30% service reduction.

The Port Authority Board voted on October 24, 2008 to impose a contract with Local 85 that is not only fair to union employees, but also responsive to transit riders and taxpayers. Without the healthcare and post-retirement benefits cost-savings provisions in this contract, Port Authority will be forced to downsize its service to a size that its budget can sustain—which would require an approximate 30% service reduction early next year.

Port Authority is planning for all possible outcomes to its labor contract dispute with the leadership of ATU Local 85, the union that represents 2,300 bus and trolley operators, maintenance employees and clerical workers. Authority staff is also working on contingency plans in the event of a strike directed by Local 85 leadership. It is all part of Port Authority’s efforts to ensure that the public is well informed should union leadership invoke a strike and to be prepared to cut service in a way that least impacts our customers, if necessary.