Steering Success: AC Transit’s Holistic Strategy for Bus Operator Shortage

A workforce shortage crisis has overtaken many transit systems nationwide as the demand for bus operators outstrips the available workforce. Many working Americans have been left scrambling to find alternative ways from A to B as more transit routes have been cut. A 2022 American Public Transportation Association survey of 117 transit agencies of all sizes, 71% reported that they have either had to cut service or delay service increases because of worker shortfalls. While the transportation industry as a whole grapples with recruitment and retention techniques, some transit agencies have already found measurable success. This perspective examines the causes for the bus operator shortage—including as an example of the wider industry issues—as well as potential solutions, including a comprehensive approach by Oakland-based agency AC Transit, which improved retention of new bus operators by 20 percent.