Phoenix First Transit is ready to offer a new contract proposal to union members and a bus company that services 14 routes in the city. 

The contract with First Transit and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1433 expired over the summer, but hundreds of bus drivers have been operating day to day without disrupted service. 

Phoenix Public Transit director Maria Hyatt said the union represents drivers who work in the most congested parts of the city.

“They do service some of our busiest lines like Thomas Road where we have overcrowding on almost a daily basis on that route, so some of our long cross citywide routes with a lot of ridership,” Hyatt said.

She said Phoenix Transit is offering what she called its “best and final” offer and union members are set to vote on the proposal on Dec. 29 and 30. 

The drivers are seeking higher pay plus improved health care and other benefits.