Service reductions abound on the Victoria Regional Transit System starting today and a labour shortage is to blame, according to BC Transit.
The company says it’s actively recruiting transit operators in a number of systems across the province and working to hire more drivers, including in the Victoria area.
“As a result of these ongoing labour challenges, this service change includes temporary service reductions on some transit routes across the region,” read a statement.
Effective Monday, April 4th, BC Transit says routes 3 and 10 James Bay/Royal Jubilee will complete a loop in James Bay and return to Royal Jubilee Hospital on their respective alignments, no longer interlining in James Bay.
Other changes on the local Victoria transit system include:
- Adjustments to routes 70, 71 and 72 Swartz Bay/Downtown to accommodate spring ferry traffic. Route 70 trip time adjustments will provide “greater flexibility” for minor ferry delays, with service level improvements on routes 71 and 72.
- Service level adjustments on routes serving post-secondary institutions to match reduced demand.
BC Transit says it will increase capacity as more operators are hired, and encourages transit-goers to visit its website for a detailed look at bus schedules.
Meanwhile, BC Ferries announced last month that crew shortages were also plaguing its organization. On March 25th, it warned its customers to brace for more delays and altered sailing schedules into the peak summer season.