Overcrowding on buses has become an issue as ridership reaches pre-pandemic all time high.
The London Transit Commission (LTC) released a report highlighting the issues with detours downtown, trying to prevent overcrowding, and challenges deploying enough busses to high traffic areas.
In the report, it says ridership reached almost 90% from pre-pandemic levels in September. In the first few weeks of October, only dipping down to 87% pre-pandemic.
As indicated in the graph, weekday ridership in September reached 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with a slight dip to 87% for the first few weeks of October. (LTC)
With all time ridership parallel to the ongoing construction detours downtown, the LTC will be adding additional recourses. Starting November 27th, there will be an additional bus added to the route 9 from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Round trip times will also be added to the 19 during peak a.m. and base periods to add running time.
Tackling the overcrowding issue sheds light to the employment issue and the challenge of deploying enough tipper busses.
“Work continues with respect to the onboarding of Operators with a class of six completing training on November 2, 2022 and a new class of six beginning training on October 31, 2022.” The report continues. “In addition to the need to hire Operators to increase complement, replacements are also required for those that will retire through the remainder of 2022 and in 2023.”
The LTC approved the order of replacement buses in a different report. “At the November 27, 2019 meeting, the Commission approved a contract with New Flyer Industries Canada, ULC for the supply of both 40’ and 60’ replacement and expansion buses purchased in the years 2020 through 2022.” The report reads. Total cost for the replacement order comes to $12,848,300. Funding coming from the provincial and federal gas tax, and the City of London.
Addressing the labour issue, the Commission has posted several job opportunities for skilled labour positions. The report say “There are currently five skilled labour positions open and posted, noting in the past few weeks, some applications have been received and are currently being reviewed.”
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