RTC Washoe County anticipates potential transit service changes due to labor shortage

Due to staffing shortages regionally and nationally, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County is anticipating potential transit service changes beginning in January.  

RTC RIDE operator Keolis and RTC ACCESS paratransit operator MTM are both currently lacking enough staff to deliver transit services at currently scheduled levels, which has caused missed trips and delays for passengers. 

The RTC is seeking public input on the proposed service reductions. Transit passengers are encouraged to watch this video detailing the proposed service changes and send comments to RTC via email or phone. 

“We hope that our transit-service contractors are able to hire more staff so that RTC does not need to implement these service modifications; however, we are planning ahead for potential transit service reductions to improve service reliability for our passengers in anticipation of a continuing labor shortage in our region,” said RTC Executive Director Bill Thomas. 

As part of the process, RTC, Keolis and MTM staff have been analyzing bus routes to identify and implement solutions to address the driver shortage. RTC staff is proposing modifying the bus routes that would impact the fewest number of people and would reallocate drivers for routes that handle the most riders. 

The RTC is proposing several changes, which would take effect in January 2022 if the contractors are not able to hire additional drivers. Should the driver shortage end before January, RTC says it does not anticipate the reduction in service will be implemented. 

A full list of potential service changes broken down by mode is available on RTC’s website.  

Both Keolis and MTM have ramped up recruitment efforts to attract new applicants. 

Keolis is offering a $2,000 sign-on bonus, paid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training, referral bonuses and more. To help recruit applicants, Keolis hosts bi-weekly job fairs, has printed banners near fleet facilities, placed ads on RTC buses, posts jobs on social media and job-seeker websites, placed television advertising and more. Keolis also has a full-time recruiter on staff. 

MTM is offering a $1,500 sign-on bonus, no CDL required, referral bonuses and more. MTM is advertising on social media, recruiting websites and Spotify. MTM also has banners posted near fleet facilities.