Gov. Peter Shumlin urged drivers and management of the Chittenden County Transportation Authority on Tuesday to agree on a contract deal as soon as possible.
Amid the third week of the drivers鈥� strike over working hours and conditions, Shumlin expressed concern for the CCTA鈥檚 regular passengers.
"This has gone beyond the point where Vermonters have patience." - Gov. Peter Shumlin
"We鈥檙e talking about 10,000 people,鈥� Shumlin said. 鈥淪ome of the most vulnerable Vermonters, who can鈥檛 get to work. Kids who can鈥檛 get to doctors, you know, parents who can鈥檛 get to doctors appointments. I mean, we鈥檝e got to get this thing resolved.鈥�
Shumlin鈥檚 comments come after the CCTA board of commissioners to allow the company to line up temporary drivers that could resume service before the end of the strike. The board would have to vote again before the company could resume service with temporary drivers.
During the first two weeks of the strike, CCTA passengers have to get around.
鈥淲e鈥檝e got folks scraping pennies together trying to get a taxi,鈥� Shumlin said, 鈥渁nd sometimes taxis 鈥� you have to wait three hours. You know, this has gone beyond the point where Vermonters have patience.鈥�
contributed to this report.
