How Halifax Transit staff shortages have become a very big problem
Global News
Halifax Transit is feeling the strain of an overburdened system. The union says drivers are burnt out, and not enough drivers are being hired. The result is trip cancellations.
Like many other sectors facing workforce shortages, Halifax Transit is feeling the strain of an overburdened system.
Twice this month, the municipality has begun cancelling certain trips to try and alleviate the pain.
Currently, 31 trips are affected, and the municipality says the cancellations will remain “until further notice.”
Staff shortages are so bad, Mayor Mike Savage said the municipality had to alter plans for the Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in early August.
“We were hopeful that transit could play a large role in moving athletes,” Savage said. “But the simple fact is, we don’t have enough transit operators to do that.”
Savage added that other transit organizations in the country are facing similar shortages, as are many other fields, such as the bar and restaurant industry.
“It’s a problem across the board. Our operators work very hard on behalf of the people and we respect the work that they do. But it’s a challenge right now. I know from talking to the executive director of Halifax Transit, they’re very focused on it.”
In an e-mail exchange last week, Halifax Regional Municipality spokesperson Ryan Nearing said that while staff shortages remain, the transit service would pro-actively cancel select trips and provide users advanced notice.