MARKHAM, Ont. – Buses in York region will be back on the road next weekend now that a three-month strike that affected thousands of riders is over.
The last hurdle was cleared Saturday when Miller Transit workers ratified a five-year deal that includes annual wage increases and benefits.
Ray Doyle, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587, said he hopes the public will treat drivers with respect once service resumes.
“Although we regret that there was a great deal of inconvenience, we hope that you will open your hearts when… these buses go back on the road,” he said in announcing the results of the vote.
Officials in the region north of Toronto said service will be restored gradually over several weeks, starting next Saturday.
They said some time is needed to resume maintenance on the buses and ensure drivers undergo refresher training.
Riders have been promised at least one month of free service and officials said details of the offer will be laid out in the coming days.
The Miller Transit vote was 80 per cent in favour of the contract offer.
Workers with another contractor, Veolia, ratified that company’s offer earlier this week.
A third company, First Canada, had its contract terminated by York Region. The region announced today that it has hired TOK Transit Ltd. to take over that contract.
The strike, which began Oct. 24, has affected more than 44,000 commuters daily.
