Worker shortage causes transit disruptions in South Bend, across country
A nationwide workforce shortage is causing disruptions to transit agencies across the country, and locally in Michiana.
Transpo, South Bend's public transit operator, canceled 180 bus trips over a one-week period according to advisories on it's Facebook page.
"To put the missed trips into perspective, Transpo runs approximately 400 trips per weekday," Transpo General Manager & CEO Amy Hill told ABC57 in an email. "So despite the current workforce challenges, Transpo continues to maintain a high percentage of total trips."
In a recent rider alert, Transpo announced 38 canceled trips in a single day
The Interurban Trolley, operating between Elkhart and Goshen, has announced similar disruptions in the past week.
According to a new report released this month by the American Public Transportation Association, 96% of transit agencies are seeing a lack of workers, with 84% reporting the shortage has impacted operations.
"Despite the challenges, our ridership continues to rebound from the pandemic with over 100,000 rides the months of August and September for the first time since February 2020," Hill said.
Transpo's website lists a number of open positions, including full and part time Route Operators. Hill said Transpo has a training class underway and another scheduled to start in late November. But until it's closer to full staffing levels, Hill said, "we anticipate the missed trips will continue."