OC Transpo launching major recruitment push to end staffing crisis
The transit agency is targeting 105% staffing levels to account for vacancies and attrition, addressing recent service disruptions.
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OC Transpo is ramping up recruitment to fill staffing gaps that have directly caused recent unreliable bus service and unplanned rail shutdowns.
Senior staff outlined a year-long stabilization plan targeting 105% staffing levels to account for existing vacancies, natural attrition, projected retirements, and trainees who fail or withdraw from training. The increased staffing will also support the upcoming LRT east and west extensions.
Chief Safety Officer Sabrina Pasian told the transit committee on June 11 that approximately 20 to 30 per cent of recruits fail or withdraw from training, which can last 27 to 300 days depending on the position. Recruitment itself typically takes 102 to 151 days.
"Recent staffing challenges with front-line bus and train operators and rail controllers required unplanned temporary service adjustments," Pasian said, acknowledging service had become unpredictable at times. A partial shutdown of Line 4 over Victoria Day weekend was attributed to staff shortages, followed hours later by a temporary Line 1 shutdown blamed on a shortage of controllers, primarily due to illness.
OC Transpo is targeting 372 bus operator trainees (current fleet: 1,507 drivers), 48 electric rail operators for Line 1, 37 diesel operators for Lines 2 and 4, and 25 controllers. Currently, the agency employs 110 electric rail operators, 59 diesel operators, 16 electric rail controllers and 16 diesel rail controllers.
"We've been heavily relying on overtime, but this is not sustainable," Pasian said. Once the staffing plan is achieved, overtime reliance will decrease.