MBTA's The Ride Drivers Strike Amid Contract Negotiations

WATERTOWN, MA — Contract negotiations were still in the works on Monday for the MBTA's The Ride program and many drivers aren't getting behind the wheel until the contracts are ready. The drivers started a strike on Sunday with several people joining picket-lines in Watertown and Everett.

Teamsters Local 25 and Veterans Transportation, one of two providers of paratransit service to the MBTA are still negotiating terms of the labor contract and drivers say health insurance is the contract's biggest issue. Union shop steward Ray Domkowski told CBS Boston that the new contracts cut back health insurance for drivers, a major issue since the drivers are essential workers and have been working with vulnerable populations throughout the pandemic.

The Ride is a door-to-door, shared-ride paratransit service offered through the MBTA to the elderly, disabled and veterans. As negotiations and the strike continued on Monday, the MBTA issued a statement warning commuters to expect delays or service disruptions and consider using taxis or Ubers in the meantime.

"The RIDE to expect delays and/or service interruptions due to lack of drivers.

The MBTA is advising customers to only schedule essential trips because drivers are limited. Customers are asked to consider alternative transport options, such as a local taxi, Uber, or Lyft. If a customer is having a medical emergency, please contact 911. Customers have the option to cancel or rebook their trips by contacting The RIDE call center at 844-427-7433.

The MBTA strongly urges Teamsters Local 25 and Veterans Transportation to continue negotiating. It is the MBTA’s hope that this situation resolves soon. The MBTA is committed to providing this essential service to our most at-risk, vulnerable customers.

The MBTA apologizes for this inconvenience."