Monday was Day 5 of the transit strike in the Central Okanagan and now that the long weekend is over, the full impact of the work stoppage is being felt. The effects are especially pronounced at UBCO where the bus stops are empty and cabs are busier than ever.
“This is the third time in a row that I’m taking the taxi,” said student David Afanotchao who commutes from Rutland. “It’s quite expensive. I’m really hoping that the strike is over pretty soon.”
Carpooling is a cheaper alternative but the costs still add up.
“Very expensive, especially for students. We’re paying a lot for tuition. It’s very difficult for us to put that extra $10 in parking a day,” one student said.
Andrea Johnson bikes to school. Now her friends are thinking about doing the same.
“I have a few bikes at home actually. I have a friend who was asking if she could borrow one because I just don’t know what else people are going to do,” Johnson said.
On the picket front, it looks like the striking transit drivers are getting ready for a long one. They’ve set up a makeshift camp in front of the depot on Hardy Road.
The employer, First Canada, tells Global Okanagan it believes it made a fair offer last week and is willing to resume negotiations but says the ball’s in the drivers’ court. The picketers vow to ramp up their protest Tuesday.
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