DALLAS, Texas — Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has developed contingency plans following the announcement that the employee union of paratransit services contractor Transdev Services, Inc. (Transdev) members have authorized a strike. While Transdev and ATU Local 1388 continue negotiations, DART has prepared to maintain continuity of services for paratransit riders that rely on the services Transdev provides.   

DART will monitor the situation and stay in close contact with Transdev to ensure service continuity. In the event a strike does occur, regular paratransit riders will be contacted by DART Mobility Management Services (MMS) with solutions to fit their needs.  DART’s objective will be to keep our riders informed and communicate clear instructions on how to access transportation solutions. 

“Transdev is an independent DART contractor currently involved in ongoing negotiations with ATU Local 1388, its employee union. DART is not involved in any labor conversations with Transdev or ATU Local 1388,” said Trenise Winters, DART Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. “However, DART remains focused on working together with Transdev, its subcontractors, and our Mobility Management Services employees to ensure all DART riders receive the services that they need and are committed to keeping our customers informed about a potential strike and options DART riders have for continuous DART services.” 

What is happening 

DART contracts paratransit services with Transdev. DART Paratransit is an origin-to-destination, door-to-door public transportation service for qualifying people within DART’s service area with disabilities who are unable to use DART’s fixed-route buses or trains. 

Transdev’s employee union – ATU Local 1388 – has authorized a strike. A strike authorization does not mean a strike will occur, but that union leadership can call for a strike if necessary while negotiations continue.  

The strike authorization does not apply to DART employees and is specific only to Transdev employees. 

What is the potential impact to DART paratransit riders 

If ATU Local 1388 were to activate a strike, there could be up to a 30% reduction in available paratransit drivers immediately. Users of large mobility devices and the least ambulatory riders could be impacted due to the availability of larger paratransit vehicles.  

How is DART preparing 

While DART is hopeful Transdev and ATU Local 1388 can reach an agreement and avoid a strike, the Agency is prepared in the event a strike occurs. If members of ATU Local 1388 do strike, DART’s response will focus on providing transportation to our customers. DART staff will be directed to assist customers either in the field or on the phone to make them aware of any service disruptions that are present and provide solutions as an alternative. 

For questions regarding DART’s Paratransit Service, please call DART Paratransit at 214-515-7272.