Lawrence officials sounded the alarm Tuesday night, warning that riders who depend on Merrimack Valley Transit could see bus service disrupted as soon as Wednesday after union members rejected a contract proposal and the existing agreement expired. Mayor Brian A. DePeña urged people who rely on the system, including seniors, people with disabilities and shift workers, to line up backup transportation now in case buses stop rolling. The warning lands just as hot weather moves into the region, raising concern for riders heading to work, medical appointments and grocery stores with fewer safe options to get around.
In a statement to The Boston Globe, DePeña said, "Our first priority is the safety and well‑being of our residents." He encouraged commuters to plan alternate trips and to check on neighbors and individuals with disabilities if service is interrupted.
What MeVa Is And Who Counts On It
MeVa, formally Merrimack Valley Transit, is the regional bus and paratransit network that serves 16 communities across northeastern Massachusetts and carries millions of riders each year. The agency uses Lawrence’s McGovern Transportation Center as its central hub and runs dozens of fixed and on‑demand routes that connect the gateway cities of Lawrence, Haverhill and Methuen. The authority outlines its service area and ridership details on MeVa.
Why A Walkout Could Hit Wednesday
The Eagle‑Tribune of Lawrence reported that members of Teamsters Local 170 voted Monday to reject the authority’s contract proposal, and the union’s current contract expired at midnight Tuesday. That combination opens the door to a legal strike as early as Wednesday. If mechanics or drivers walk out, fixed routes could be curtailed or canceled, leaving commuters, essential workers and people with medical appointments scrambling for alternatives.
How Riders Can Get Ready Now
Riders are being urged to monitor MeVa’s service updates and alerts, consider MBTA commuter‑rail options at the McGovern hub for some trips, and arrange carpools or rideshare plans where possible. MeVa posts real‑time service information and contact details on its site and maintains a customer service line for urgent questions; see MeVa for updates. For rail connections at the Lawrence hub, commuters can consult the McGovern Transportation Center station information on Wikipedia as another option for certain trips.
“The City of Lawrence will continue monitoring the situation and will share updates as additional information becomes available,” DePeña said, as reported by The Boston Globe. Riders who depend on regular bus service are being urged to identify backup travel plans now and to keep a close eye on official MeVa channels for any morning changes.
