Hundreds of bus drivers and mechanics in Columbus have gone on strike despite reaching a tentative agreement with COTA, putting travelers in a pinch a day before the city's massive Independence Day celebration downtown. Central Ohio Transit Authority workers began the strike as promised this morning, shortly after the tentative deal was reached. Transport Workers Union Local 208 says memebers will meet tonight for a possible ratification vote. COTA officials say they're dismayed union members would leave thousands of people without transportation. The drivers and other employees say they're simply trying to get a fair deal. Despite no fixed-route service today, paratransit services will continue. Union and COTA representatives say full bus service could resume Tuesday if the deal is approved.
Mike Foley joined WCBE in February 2000, coming from WUFT in Gainesville, Florida. Foley has worked in various roles, from producing news and feature stories to engineering Live From Studio A sessions. A series of music features Foley started in 2018 called Music Journeys has grown into a podcast and radio show. He also assists in developing other programs in WCBE's Podcast Experience. Foley hosts The Morning Mix, a weekday music show featuring emerging and established musicians, our Columbus-area and Ohio-based talent, and additional artists that inspire him.