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LOS ANGELES — The first weekday of a transit strike left nearly half a million Southern California bus and rail riders scrounging for rides Monday or getting behind the wheel themselves, further clogging roadways. 

The 4,300-member strong United Transportation Union strike began Saturday against the giant Metropolitan Transportation Authority. 

The strike idled 2,000 buses, rail and subway lines in a 1,400-square-mile area. Freeway traffic volume rose 5 percent during the morning commute, the California Highway Patrol reported. 

The CHP had predicted 30 minutes could be added to freeway rides to work and school. A lack of major crashes during the morning commute helped highways absorb the additional volume. 

“It is a substantial amount, but it didn’t result in a major headache like we thought,” CHP Officer Bill Preciado said. 

It was a different story on surface streets, where cars snaked bumper-to-bumper through downtown with workers complaining that commute times had been doubled. 

No new talks were scheduled with the operators union, but MTA spokesman Rick Jager said transit system negotiators and the state mediator were ready to bargain at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel. 

UTU spokesman Goldy Norton said union representatives were waiting for the mediator’s invitation. 

“We haven’t heard from them,” he said. 

As temperatures soared into the 90s, pickets marched outside 15 MTA sites. 

“Their spirits are high, and it’s a tough job right now because of the heat,” Norton said, noting there had been no scuffles or violence on the picket lines. “We’ve told our people to be professional and not cause trouble.” 

Bus driver Lisa Smith picketed on a Pasadena Freeway overpass. 

“These people should be on the buses,” said Smith, pointing to the freeway traffic mess below. “People who rely on buses need buses. We do care about the people. This is as stressful a time for us as it is for our passengers.” 

Two smaller unions honoring UTU picket lines – the 1,800-member Amalgamated Transit Union and 650-member Transportation Communications International Union – were set to resume talks Tuesday with the MTA. 

Many commuters bummed rides with others to deal with the crunch. Others showed up at bus stops, waiting in vain. 

“I guess I’ll be waiting all year,” said Frank Vernola, 78, who was sitting on a Highland Park bus bench after walking 20 blocks on his morning bird-feeding ritual. Fatigued after his journey, he usually returns home on the bus. 

Student Cesar Marroquin nervously stood nearby, hoping a bus would show up to take him to the East Los Angeles Occupational School. He didn’t hear about the strike until Monday morning. 

“I just don’t know what else to do. I called my friend, but I don’t see him. I have a major test at 8 a.m.,” the 34-year-old man said 15 minutes before test time. 

MetroLink commuter trains, which aren’t part of the strike by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority system, arrived on schedule at downtown’s Union Station. Most commuters, some of whom carried bicycles on the trains, scattered on foot and bike. 

“My boss is on the way to pick me up. I may have to take vacation time without pay if this continues,” said MetroLink rider Donna Packard, 34, of Covina, who was stranded at Union Station.