Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The labor shortage during the ongoing COVID pandemic is leading to service reductions for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.
The NFTA says operations have been dramatically hampered by the combination of operator shortage and the growing absenteeism rates related to COVID-19 illness and exposures and is planning on temporarily reducing service and making changes beginning February 13.
"The ability to reliably serve our customers continues to be a challenge due to our ongoing driver shortage," said Tom George, Director of Public Transit. "Our riders need to have confidence that their ride will be available as scheduled, and these service modifications will allow us to maintain our commitment to the community. We realize change can be difficult, but our focus remains providing the best service possible to our riders with the available resources."
In addition to a major demand for bus operators, the increase in workforce positive COVID-19 test results creates additional driver shortages, according to NFTA officials.
"We know that people depend on this service and that's why we spent a lot of time in making these decisions," said NFTA spokeswoman Helen Tederous.
"We are hoping this will only be for a few months."
Tederous says NFTA bus driver pay is very attractive when you look at the total package with compensation and benefits. "The average driver makes about $64 thousand dollars a year. They are essential workers and heroes in the community," she added.
The NFTA says the schedule adjustments will be available for customers on their website.
