A strike is once again possible for a South Coast transit system.
Santa Barbara MTD and Teamsters Local 186 have been in talks since May, but have been unable to reach a deal. A state mediator joined the talks, and both sides agreed to extend a contract that expired at the end of June to the end of July.
Negotiators came up with a proposed agreement earlier this month, but union members rejected it. Now, the contract is set to expire at midnight Thursday, and unless there is another tentative agreement or extension, the buses could stop running at midnight.
MTD officials say riders need to consider alternative means of transportation. The timing isn't good because Santa Barbara's annual Old Spanish Days celebration is underway, and tens of thousands of visitors are expected between now and Sunday.
