WASHINGTON — Commuter bus service in Loudoun County was significantly disrupted Wednesday, after more than a third of its privately contracted drivers, ensnared in a labor dispute, called in sick.
“It’s going to be a somewhat frustrating commute today,” said Paul Mounier, transit and commuter services manager.
Thirteen of 58 bus runs were cancelled; other routes were crowded and delayed.
Loudoun contracts with the private company Transdev, which provides drivers, mechanics and managers for the county’s commuter bus service. Transdev’s drivers have been working without a labor contract since February.
Mounier said negotiators on both sides were caught by surprise when 35 percent of the drivers called in sick en masse Wednesday morning.
The county promised that commuters carried into D.C. Wednesday morning wouldn’t be left without a ride home.
“Anyone that was brought to work on a bus today will be picked up and brought home on a bus this evening,” Mounier said. “I know there’s going to be some crowding. I know there’s going to be some late runs.”
Efforts are underway to smooth the Thursday morning commute. Drivers from other Transdev operations could be brought in to fill the breach.
“I do expect this to be resolved soon,” Mounier said.
