CapMetro bus operators in Austin may strike if contract talks between the union and Keolis fail over wage and training disputes, risking service disruptions.

AUSTIN, Texas — Contract negotiations are continuing between the union representing CapMetro bus operators and Keolis, the private company contracted to operate CapMetro’s bus service, as the possibility of a systemwide strike remains on the table.

The president of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1091 said union members voted in late June to authorize a strike if a new agreement cannot be reached over concerns about wages and maintenance department training.

Negotiations have been ongoing since September 2025 and the union’s contract ended on the last day of that same year. 

If a strike were to happen, it could impact thousands of Central Texans who rely on CapMetro buses to get to work, school and other daily destinations.


Union cites pay and training concerns

ATU Local 1091 President Brent Payne said many of the drivers represented by the union are struggling to afford living in Austin despite providing an essential public service. 

“I would say 75% to 80% of my workforce can’t afford to live in Austin,” Payne said. “Austin is a very expensive place to live, and so we felt we should be treated accordingly.”

Although the drivers operate CapMetro buses, they are employed by Keolis, the private contractor that manages the agency’s bus operations.

A memo sent to CapMetro’s board of directors and shared with KVUE states that Keolis has found a way to exceed ATU’s most recent wage increase request of 14%, with a 14.8% increase for salaries over the next three years. 

Payne said the union is also seeking improvements to training for the maintenance department.

“We have a lot of new buses, new electric fleet, and my technicians aren’t trained and they don’t work on those buses,” Payne said. “The way you progress up for technicians is you have to be offered training modules so you can go through ASC training. Keolis currently doesn’t offer that.”

The CapMetro memo also said although training curriculum and compensation for maintenance personnel are negotiated items, Operator Training is not subject to collective bargaining. The memo went on to say it’s a critical component of delivering safe, reliable public transportation. 

CapMetro said Keolis and ATU are working together to evaluate and enhance the Operator Training program. 

In a statement to KVUE, Keolis said it continues to negotiate with the union in good faith.

“Keolis values the important role the union plays in representing our employees. We continue to engage in good-faith bargaining with the union and remain committed to maintaining a collaborative and respectful relationship. We believe we have offered fair wage increases and remain in active negotiations as we get closer to reaching an agreement that is in the best interest of all stakeholders.”


Riders worry about potential service disruptions

For many Austinites, the bus system is a vital part of daily life.

Travis Crawford, who rides CapMetro regularly, said losing bus service would create significant challenges.

“Without them, I don’t think I would have made it so far in this city,” Crawford said. “Without a car, I don’t think so.”

Crawford, who said he is currently experiencing homelessness, said he depends on the bus system to get around Austin.

“That’s scary because a lot of us rely on them,” he said. “I really need to get around the city a lot.”

Another rider, Dan Diehl, said he commutes from Dripping Springs before taking the bus into Downtown Austin.

“The stop is real near my office and it’s very convenient for me,” Diehl said. “I’m able to save a little money on gas and not have to pay for parking at UT.”


CapMetro says it has a contingency plan

KVUE asked CapMetro how it would respond if bus operators walk off the job.

A spokesperson said the transit agency has a plan in place but did not provide details about what that plan would entail.

Payne said a strike would be a last resort.

“We do not want to hurt the public,” he said. “My kids ride the bus system. I have friends that ride the bus system. I don’t want to impede anybody from getting to work, getting to school, but this is our only recourse.”


More negotiations scheduled

Payne said he is scheduled to meet with Keolis representatives on Wednesday morning in an effort to reach an agreement and avoid a strike.

While he declined to publicly disclose a potential timeline if negotiations fail, Payne said any strike action would take place across the city.