DALLAS The tentative contract between Greyhound Lines and its drivers and mechanics provides for annual raises of 3 percent for the next three years for drivers and 75 cents an hour for mechanics.

The deal also puts a cap on the number of miles the company can subcontract; increases the daily meal allowance for drivers; leaves current medical benefits largely untouched, and allows drivers to shed their uniform jackets when the temperature is above 75.

Additionally, it requires Greyhound to post the Amalgamated Transit Union emblem on all of its buses.

The contract accord reached earlier this month, which is yet to be ratified by Greyhound drivers and mechanics, covers the period June 1, 2007, to Jan. 31, 2010.

However, all employees are getting back pay, amounting to 3 percent of wages earned between Feb. 1 and May 31 of this year.

For drivers, there is a 3 percent general wage increase right away, plus another early next year and a third in March 2009.

The top pay rates for drivers will be:

June 1, 2007: $20.86 hourly (61-cent raise)

Feb. 1, 2008: $21.48 (62-cent raise)

March 1, 2009: $22.13 (65-cent raise)

For mechanics, the top wage rate at Greyhounds maintenance center in Richmond, Va., will be:

June 1, 2007-Jan. 31, 2008: $19.68 hourly

Feb. 1, 2008-Feb. 28, 2009: $20.43

March 1, 2009-Jan. 31, 2010: $21.18

Wage rates for Greyhound mechanics in Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C. are roughly 20 cents an hour less than those paid in Richmond, and those in Jacksonville, Fla., are just over $2 an hour less.

Other notable aspects of the contract say:

The company must provide lockable union bulletin boards at all locations.

The company can subcontract no more than 6 percent of 2006 miles.

The new uniform hat for drivers is optional.

The daily meal allowance is increased to $24 per day, from $20, a 20 percent increase.

The company will match dollar for dollar, up to $1,200 annually, or 50 cents on the dollar up to 6 percent of wages, employee contributions to the company 401(k) plan.

The agreement also says that any company that buys Greyhound must honor the contract or the union may file suit in federal court.

Earlier this year, Greyhounds parent company, Laidlaw International of Naperville, Ill., agreed to be bought by British bus operator FirstGroup PLC for $2.8 billion.