NEW YORK - It's been years since Pamela Bates has been able to get around on her own. First came the canes, then the walker, and these days, her large motorized wheelchair.

For years, the 55-year-old Bates has used the city's Access-A-Ride system, which provides transport to thousands of disabled and chronically ill riders.

But with some drivers going on strike Monday over contract issues, Bates was stuck inside her Manhattan apartment.

“There's no consideration on either side of what they're doing to the people in between,” the retired real estate agent said.

Drivers from four companies that serve about 8,000 people daily walked off the job just after midnight.

The Para Transit Drivers and Mechanics of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181-1061, which has 1,500 members, rejected a contract offer a few months ago, primarily over issues of health care premiums and wages.

Late Monday afternoon, the union and the Paratransit Operators Coalition, which represents the companies, announced plans to return to the bargaining table on Wednesday at the urging of a federal mediator. But the union will continue striking pending the outcome of negotiations.