Rivne Faces Critical Shortage of Public Transport Drivers
Rivne’s public transport operators are facing a critical shortage of drivers, with the staffing problem affecting the ability of private carriers to provide regular service. The issue was raised during a recent discussion of the city’s public transport system.
Rivne Transport Operators Need More Drivers
A shortage of drivers has become one of the main problems facing public transport in Rivne, according to information discussed during a press conference on the city’s transport system.
Private carriers say they do not have enough drivers to fully staff their buses and maintain the required schedules. The shortage is being linked primarily to mobilization and the broader lack of available workers.
Driver Shortage Is Affecting Bus Services
The staffing problem is already reflected in the operation of some routes.
Rivne authorities have recently had to respond to passenger complaints about buses finishing their service too early or not operating according to the scheduled timetable.
For example, the city recently extended the evening operating schedule of route No. 66 after complaints from passengers. The last departure from the oncology dispensary is now scheduled for 19:15.
One Driver Cannot Cover Every Shift
A major difficulty for operators is that a bus normally needs more than one driver to provide regular service throughout the day and on weekends.
When there are not enough employees, individual drivers cannot simply compensate by working continuously because working hours are regulated.
As a result, some vehicles may operate fewer hours than planned or remain off the road altogether. Similar problems have previously been acknowledged by Rivne’s transport authorities.
The Problem Is Also Affecting Route Reliability
The shortage comes as Rivne is simultaneously tightening its oversight of private carriers.
The city has announced action against operators on routes 61 and 61A over repeated violations of service conditions, including vehicles not appearing on the route and problems with scheduled service.
The combination of contractual requirements and a shortage of available drivers is making it more difficult for carriers to maintain all scheduled services.
Rivne Is Looking for Ways to Keep Routes Operating
The city has been using passenger complaints and GPS monitoring to assess how routes are operating.
Residents can report problems with public transport through the 1553 Rivne community hotline, which accepts transport-related complaints and forwards them to the relevant municipal services.
