Calgary Transit bus operators facing layoffs due to declining ridership

Calgary Transit bus operators could expect layoffs this fall, though it’s still not known how many could be out of work come September.

The transit service said Thursday ridership is down four per cent compared to last year. It’s projecting a $10-million shortfall by the end of this year.

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Because of that, along with other options, spokesperson Rob Collins said some bus drivers could be laid off.

“We’re still working to minimize the impact on our bus operators, but some layoffs are still expected to come in September,” Colins said.

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“We just don’t know how many yet.”

Collins said the organization is still looking at projections and trying to assess the manpower they might need, considering the decrease in numbers.

Some operators have been offered leaves of absence, he said, adding there’s been interest in that option. That would see a handfull of bus drivers take an unpaid leave of a month or two.

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When asked what would happen when those operators returned, Collins said Calgary Transit would reassess their needs at that time.

The changes are coming to buses rather than CTrains because the trains operate on a more fixed schedule and Collins said it’s easier to make adjustments to bus schedules.

He said Calgary Transit has been communicating with staff and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 583, which represents the workers, to keep them in the loop of proposed changes and developments.

Calgary Transit is also looking at other cost-saving measures, including adjusting service on some routes and potentially taking buses out of rotation based on demand in those areas.

“The thing about all of this is that with lower ridership and numbers that are falling, we need to be prudent to the taxpayer,” Collins said.

More details on the layoffs are expected in the coming weeks.

A Global News request for comment from Amalgamated Transit Local 583 was not immediately answered.