Two more bus routes to resume during strike

Transportation officials and striking bus drivers showed no sign of a breakthrough Friday as contract talks continued for the fifth day and the strike wrapped up its first week. But the Orange County Transportation Authority reminded bus riders they’ll resume two routes Monday, bringing the total to 33 of 81 regular routes that are operating.

The routes are No. 57 from the Newport Transportation Center to Orangethorpe in Fullerton, and No. 60 from Goldenwest Street and Westminster Boulevard in Westminster to East 17th Street and North Tustin Avenue in Tustin.

Transportation authority spokesman Joel Zlotnick said the two had agreed to raise the starting wage for drivers from $13.72 to $14.27 but still differ on how to split up the remainder in a $209-million contract covering salaries and benefits for 1,100 workers.

Drivers’ union spokesman Patrick Kelly could not be reached for comment late Friday but said in a voicemail the two sides are “making progress.” It was unclear whether talks would continue through the weekend.

— Alicia Robinson