WORCESTER, MASS. (WHDH) - Bus drivers with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority are speaking out over what they call serious staffing issues that are causing strain for employees and causing trips to be canceled.
The union representing the drivers say a lack of operators is causing problems to a point where, if one driver calls out sick, there are few if any people who can fill in.
On Monday, the drivers picketed outside the WRTA’s office to let managers know they are working ten hours a day, on their days off, and that it’s not safe.
“It’s like a ticking time bomb. Something severe is going to happen at some point,” said ATU Local 22 business agent Ken Kephart.
Back in January, the driver shortage pushed the Worcester Regional Transit Authority to cut some of its service on Fridays.
Now, eight months later, riders say the buses are not dependable.
“It’s like ‘OK, it is canceled? Is it delayed? What’s going on? Do they have one today?” said one rider named Dave.
The WRTA has a brand new administrator just one week into the job.
“We want to schedule those trips and make those trips occur for the public. Unfortunately, we have been missing some and we’re going to be looking into how we can correct the situation,” said administrator Joshua Rickman.
According to Rickman, the system is budgeted for 89 operators and the WRTA currently has 85 working.
“There’s probably four open positions, but you probably need ten to twelve additional drivers to cover the shortages that we deal with every day,” Kephart said.
The WRTA’s administrator told 7NEWS that, as he gets acquainted with the system, he is planning on analyzing what needs attention.
“The goal is to always have the full budgeted of the number of 89,” Rickman said. “Sometimes we do go a little bit lower, sometimes a little higher. Part of my analysis in the first month is going to be looking into this and understanding what is the appropriate number.”
As drivers raise concerns and as passengers face delays, WRTA officials are urging people to apply to fill open positions. The WRTA is currently paying about $22 per hour for drivers.
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