CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several bus riders are expressing concerns about the Charlotte Area Transit System. They're worried some of the bus services they depend on may stop running if a strike occurs. 

What You Need To Know

  •  On Jan. 7, SMART Union operators voted to approve a strike

  •  The negotiations surrounding the strike are between the SMART Union and management company RATP Dev

  •  CATS says a strike would not happen until at least 30 days after the union files its strike vote 

  • Some bus riders are expressing concerns about their services being interrupted if a strike does happen

This comes days after SMART Union bus operators voted to approve a strike.

The negotiations surrounding the possible strike are between SMART Union and its management company RATP Dev. In a statement, CATS said by law, it's prohibited from being a party to any collective bargaining process. 

As of now, a strike has not been confirmed. 

CATS says a strike would not happen until at least 30 days after the union files its strike vote with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services and paperwork to SMART International. 

In preparation for a possible strike, CATS officials announced contingency plans for a reduction in workers. This includes suspension of all express routes. 

On Thursday, Mayor Vi Lyles addressed the issue in a tweet, encouraging the management company to resolve their differences before a strike occurs. 

Christina Rodriguez lives in Charlotte and depends on the CATS buses daily to get around the area. 

"Every day for appointments, for groceries, to go hang out with friends," Rodriguez said. 

But right now, Rodriguez says she's concerned after hearing SMART Union members voted in favor of a strike. 

She says if a strike were to happen, it would bring major headaches for riders like her who rely on the bus.

"Some buses stop at a certain time, and it's hard because of where you live at," Rodriguez said. "You can't work later because of a bus not riding at a certain time."

Rodriguez says if her bus service does come to a halt, she'll have to look elsewhere for transportation. Based on past experience, she says that would be a costly and timely process. 

"Sometimes I do get Lyft, an Uber or taxi, or Medicaid transportation, but that's not always reliable because a lot of people use it," she said. 

Some bus riders in Charlotte are echoing those concerns, saying they're also trying to figure out other transportation options. 

"Ubers, Lyft, or [get a ride from a] family member or somebody," said bus rider Anthony Moultry.  

"If it stops working, it stops working," said Charlotte resident Niquez Headen. "But I'm working on getting my car right now."

Spectrum News 1 has reached out to SMART Union and RATP Dev to confirm where they stand with negotiations but has not received responses.

In the meantime, Rodriguez says she's hoping for the best outcome — that won't involve a strike. 

"It would be a bad situation," Rodriguez said.