The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) recently made service modifications to its bus service to address a shortage of bus drivers.
The changes will go into effect on Dec. 18 and are intended to be temporary.
“This temporary adjustment to our bus service will reduce uncertainty about when your bus is coming or if it’s coming at all,” Collie Greenwood, MARTA deputy general manager of operations, said. “Like almost all transit agencies and other industries, we are having to operate with a reduced workforce due to the effects of COVID, and this schedule change allows us to responsibly address this shortage and still provide service our customers can rely on.”
MARTA has a budget for 1,366 full-time bus drivers, but only 1,179 are on staff, a 14 percent shortfall. The top reasons are absenteeism and the COVID-19 pandemic.
High absenteeism results in canceled routes or last-minute schedule changes.
Many drivers have quit during the pandemic over concerns for their health or have been fired for noncompliance with MARTA’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy that states all employees must be vaccinated or submit weekly test results.
The agency has streamlined its hiring process and requires all new hires to be vaccinated against COVID-19.