RTD says a tight job market is impacting its ability to hire drivers and train operators. CEO Dave Genova says they're short 50 to 60 light rail operators and more than 80 bus drivers. The result has been some missed runs that have left some riders frustrated and angry.
Genova says pay should be an issue because drivers got an 8 to 12 percent raise in the current contract that was negotiated a few years ago. He says, like other large employers, it is hard to find qualified applicants in a market where unemployment in around two to three percent. RTD is also finding it hard to retain operators.
Genova has asked RTD staff to analyze the problem and says he feels terrible when he hears about a missed run that is the result of a driver shortage.