USA shortage of bus drivers

[snoggle]

Very interesting article about the lack of bus drivers in the United States and how it is affecting services. Lots of insight about the age profile of current drivers - loads retire in the next decade and the lack of interest from young people in taking on a job that involves managing crowds of people / possible incidents. Seems the age profile issue also affects other key sectors in the USA including trucking (road haulage) which could have severe impacts on the US economy.

Also touches on the issues around Uber, Lyft and driverless technology.

www.citylab.com/transportation/2018/06/why-wont-anyone-drive-the-bus/563555/

[wirewiper]

A very interesting article, thanks for sharing.

One thing that emerges from the article is about giving more emphasis to customer service skills, something which the better UK operators are already addressing.

It also talks about giving newer drivers mentors, so they can discuss how to deal with difficult situations or simply vent - in a profession which is almost totally solitary.

The last word is given to a driver, who found a new appreciation of his job when he came to see that he actually had a pivotal role in the functioning of his own community. Perhaps at the end of the day, we all need to value our bus drivers more.