Senior citizens at a Halifax manor say they feel like they're in jail as the Metro Transit strike stretches into its second week.

Sandy Brine, who lives at the Samuel Prince Manor on Novalea Drive, is one of approximately 55,000 commuters who have been left without bus or ferry service since more than 700 transit workers walked off the job on Feb. 2.

"It's depressing," she told CBC News on Monday.

"I feel like I'm in jail, can't get out, can't see my friends that I see in the bus, see in the mall."

Metro Transit managers and negotiators for the Amalgamated Transit Union have not been back to the bargaining table since Feb. 9.

That's something Alma Marsman is hoping will change, soon.

"They even prayed in church yesterday for the buses to come back," she told CBC News.

"I'm not a person to sit down and not go nowhere and I'm getting on the computer. That's not good."

The seniors say the strike is especially painful after they campaigned to save the bus route that services their manor a couple of years ago.

Halifax regional council had considered axing the route, known as Manors or No. 3, but changed their minds after senior citizens convinced them the bus provided a vital link to their community.

Joan Richardson said she used to take the bus every day, just outside her door at Samuel Prince Manor.

"I really miss the bus. I had an appointment for the doctor's today — I couldn't go because I couldn't take no cab," she said.

"I'm praying every night that the bus strike will be over soon, before I go nuts."

Carpooling service at Mic Mac Mall

Meanwhile, businesses around the Halifax Regional Municipality are finding ways to help their employees get to work during the transit strike.

Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth has started a carpool directory for people who don't live close to the mall and are feeling the strain of the strike.

"We've had a lot of passengers come down but we're hoping that more drivers will participate in the upcoming month, especially if this transit strike continues," said Rebecca Logan, the director of marketing at the mall.

"I think a lot of them are having a hard time making their shifts and since we're open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., there's definitely been an impact here."

Logan said some workers who travel from Halifax are sharing cabs.