On March 16, 2026, the City of Barrie, Ontario, warned residents that local bus services could stop as early as March 23, 2026. This alert was issued because of a disagreement between the workers’ union and the private company that runs the city’s transit system.
Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1775 voted 96.5 per cent in favour of taking strike action. The union says that contract talks with the private operator, MVT, have stalled over issues like wages, employee benefits, and working conditions.
If the two sides do not reach an agreement by the deadline, it could result in a total shutdown of all municipal bus routes. This would make it much harder for students, workers, and visitors to get around the community using public transit.
The city is asking people who rely on the bus to begin making other travel plans in case the strike happens. Officials will continue to provide updates to the public as the March 23 deadline approaches.
