Statement from RTC Board Chair Neoma Jardon Regarding the Transit Strike

Reno, Nevada (September 28, 2021) – RTC Board Chair and Reno City Councilmember Neoma Jardon is issuing the following statement regarding the second transit strike:

“As Chair of the RTC Board, my biggest concern is for our passengers. My heart goes out to the people who got on the bus yesterday morning to go to work, or to go to their doctor’s appointment, or to get groceries, and then were unable to get home as scheduled. These repetitive strikes are harming those who can least afford it and rely on public transportation, especially during the pandemic. Although the RTC is not a party to the negotiations, we learned that during negotiations last week that all articles presented were accepted on Friday and all parties agreed to meet again on October 7 and 8 to continue negotiations.

Needless to say, we were caught off guard by the second strike initiated by the Teamsters Local 533 on Monday. While the RTC has no control over when a strike is called or ended, we believe it is imperative to step in to ensure our riders do not continue to be negatively impacted by these repetitive strikes. Therefore, RTC will offer free rides on RIDE, FlexRIDE, taxi and UberX for all regular transit users when a strike is called by the Teamsters until the Collective Bargaining Agreement is final. To schedule a ride or to ask questions, please call RTC Customer Service at (775) 348-RIDE (7433). We are hopeful negotiations will continue in good faith and the parties will reach a consensus on the Collective Bargaining Agreement.”