The strike action called by the union representing MTA mechanics and maintenance employees has interrupted transit service to Metro Bus and Metro Rail customers. Metrolink, AMTRAK and the region's municipal transit operators are not affected by the walkout.

The region's transit riders have a range of choices of ways to get to work, to school and to other destinations.

Local transit operators in Los Angeles County will continue to provide service, along with Metrolink and AMTRAK. Service also will be offered on 23 bus lines operated by MTA contractors, including Line 888, which will parallel the Metro Red Line subway.

Patrons can plan their trips on all these rail and bus lines by accessing the Metro Trip Planner on MTA's Internet web site at www.mta.net.

Riders also can find carpools and vanpools near their homes or workplaces by clicking on the "Ridesharing" link on MTA's Internet home page or by going directly to www.ridematch.info.

In addition, transit riders may dial 1-800-COMMUTE (800-266-6883) for information on transit services, ridesharing, Metrolink or bike commuting.

Metro Bus and Metro Rail passengers who have purchased monthly, semi-monthly or weekly passes for October should retain those passes until the strike has ended. MTA will announce at a later date a plan to credit passholders for the days on which bus and rail service was not available.

Local services available to transit riders include Antelope Valley Transit Authority, Burbank Local Transit, Carson Circuit, Cerritos on Wheels, Culver City Transit, LADOT/Dash, DowneyLINK, El Monte Transportation Services, Foothill Transit, Gardena Municipal Bus Lines, Glendale Beeline, Long Beach Transit, Montebello Bus Lines, Norwalk Transit System, Pasadena Area Rapid Transit System, Santa Clarita Transit, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus and Torrance Transit.

Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus, Foothill Transit and Gardena Transit are also running lines to downtown LA. Long Beach Transit and Montebello Transit have also added buses to their normal service areas.

MTA contractors will operate the following bus lines: Line 96 (LA-Burbank-Sherman Oaks); Line 218 (West Hollywood - Studio City via Laurel Canyon Boulevard); Line 603 (Rampart - Hoover - Colorado Boulevard Shuttle); Line 605 (Grande Vista Street - USC Hospital Shuttle); Line 625 (Aviation Metro Green Line Station Shuttle); Line 888 (Metro Red Line emulator); Line 626 (Mariposa - Green Line Shuttle); Line 646 (TBD); Line 58 (Union Station - Alameda Street - Washington Boulevard - Metro Blue Line Station).