A Portland, Ore., region public transportation provider is adjusting service on 10 bus lines, noting temporary service reduction levels based on workforce availability.
Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) officials said the action stems from the largest operator shortage in agency history. Most of the impacted lines are presently experiencing low ridership.
“We would much rather be expanding our transit service,” TriMet General Manager Sam Desue, Jr. said. “But by reducing our service levels, we increase our schedule reliability so riders experience fewer canceled or late buses. While rebounding from this historic operator shortage will take some time, TriMet is committed to hiring scores of new operators to meet the needs of our community.”
The agency noted it utilized a balanced and careful approach toward preserving service in areas with high concentrations of people with low-incomes and communities of color, referencing reduced service would begin on Sept. 18, 2022, with a goal of adding service hours next year should operator ranks continue to increase.
As a means of addressing challenges of hiring and training operators to replace those lost to retirement and attrition, TriMet has taken unprecedented actions to recruit and retain a talented workforce.
Starting pay has been increased to $25.24 per hour while the agency boosted hiring bonus has risen to $7,500 and TriMet has begun to look outside state lines to secure new operators.
Additionally, other benefits over time include operators receiving regular pay increases over their first three years, with pay maxing at $68,000 annually for full-time employees.