With the Transport Worker's Union's latest contract set to expire later this month, the head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said a new contract can be achieved without another illegal transit strike.

MTA's CEO and Executive Director Elliot "Lee" Sander made his comments last night on NY1's "Inside City Hall."

"We've had very intense negotiations with TWU, with Roger Toussaint, and I'm very hopeful that we will come out with a satisfactory outcome," said Sander, "and I certainly think that we will be able to avoid what occurred three years ago when we had the strike."

The city was brought to a virtual standstill for two days after workers walked off their jobs in December 2005.

NY1 reached out to representatives of the union and is awaiting a response.