(U-WIRE) LOS ANGELES — While mechanics of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority are on strike — affecting an estimated 500,000 commuters in the Los Angeles area — some University of California-Los Angeles students and many workers attempt to find alternative methods of transportation to get to campus.

MTA mechanics went on strike Tuesday, prompting bus drivers, train operators and other workers to honor picket lines. The mechanics union is in a dispute with the MTA over the union's health fund.

MTA spokeswoman Rufina Juarez said the MTA is calling the union back to the negotiation table.

Adding to commuters' woes, some contracted bus drivers walked off the job Wednesday morning. The bus drivers were from the 13 lines contracted by MTA from First Transit Inc. The MTA has 23 lines contracted out to different transportation companies.

Three MTA lines — the green, red and purple lines — operate in the area surrounding UCLA.

One-fifth of UCLA students could be affected by these routes being shut down, estimates Daniel Mitchell, a professor of management at the Anderson School at UCLA and an expert in transportation issues.

Though many students will not be affected by the strike, those who will said they hope UCLA will be able to ease their commute to and from campus.

"(UCLA) needs to do something as fast as possible," said You Jin Leem, a third-year chemistry student and frequent MTA user.

UCLA Transportation Services sent out an e-mail to all students providing them with ride-sharing information if they are affected by the strike.

The "Ride Match" Web site matches commuters with others who live and commute to similar locations, facilitating carpools throughout the L.A. area.

But some students have not been able to find others with whom they can coordinate rides.

It has been difficult to find students who need to be in the exact place at the exact time, Leem said.

"I wish I could find a carpool as soon as possible," Leem said.

Jesus Gonzales, a third-year English student, is also being inconvenienced by the strike. Gonzales has had to be picked up by friends the past two days.

Other than students, many campus workers are being adversely affected as well.

Omar Juvera, 21, an employee of Sbarro's La Cucina in Ackerman Union, said he usually takes the bus to work from his home in Hollywood. Juvera also said he does not like driving his car and would rather not pay $7 for a parking day pass.

As many of the eateries' employees are on the same boat without a ride to work, many said they are planning to start their own carpools.

Other bus services, including the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, ran additional lines to Los Angeles on Wednesday and are experiencing heavier traffic than usual.

— Menaka Fernando