For most residents in Woodside-Eastern Passage, walking to work is not an option.

That’s why Coun. Jackie Barkhouse is not surprised that her phone is ringing frequently and her email account rolling with messages from residents concerned about a transit strike.

“We’re down to the final crunch and we’re very hopeful a deal will be reached,” she said. “My area would be an area where I would certainly expect to hear from people, and I am.”

There was a lot of concern from people who use Access-A-Bus to go to dialysis treatments, but that issue has been resolved with a backup plan, she said.

Halifax regional councillors’ regular meeting had barely started on Tuesday afternoon when they decided to go in-camera to get an update on the negotiations.

Many councillors were concerned about media reports quoting union representatives saying talks are over and the strike is on.

“It was a long question-and-answer period,” said Coun. Debbie Hum. “We just want to make sure the negotiations continue and both sides are willing to sit at the table.”

Mayor Peter Kelly told reporters HRM has given into the union on the big issues of part-time positions, contracting out and making drivers the best- paid in Atlantic Canada.

“Now we’re trying to find the reasons that they have indicated why they haven’t stayed at the table,” he said.  “We know the union is bringing forth other issues now that we’re not there in terms of the main points.”

Rostering, or scheduling workers and shifts, is an issue that was recently brought up by the union.

Kelly said Metro Transit is trying to make that system more efficient.