B.C. Transit is apologizing to bus riders in Greater Victoria for removing printed schedules at stops, saying a driver shortage has made it difficult to judge bus arrival times.
The company said last week that 98% of its employees in the region had complied with a requirement that they be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 29. The policy applies to drivers, mechanics and staff, as well as those working for B.C. Transit’s operating companies and contractors.
B.C. Transit employs just over 1,000 people, including about 550 bus drivers, in Greater Victoria’s regional system.
A spokesman for B.C. Transit said the 2% who are off work because they didn’t comply have presented challenges to a workforce that was already stretched by COVID-related employee shortages before the vaccine requirement.
B.C. Transit said it is in the process of recruiting more drivers.
In the meantime, printed schedules for December have been replaced with a poster encouraging riders to check B.C. Transit’s website for arrival times.
“This is not a decision B.C. Transit made lightly, but the organization was in a tough position as we knew we could not achieve the previously set service levels through December,” the transit company said in a statement.
B.C. Transit said it continues to experience temporary labour shortages, which has resulted in the need to adjust schedules on short notice, and that any printed materials would not provide the most accurate, up-to-date information.
However, not all riders have mobile phones and other devices to read the code from transit’s posters.
“Since taking down the schedules [Nov. 29], we’ve heard from customers negatively impacted by the decision and those who are concerned it’s discriminatory,” B.C. Transit said. “We appreciate the feedback and can assure riders the intention was never to discriminate. However, the organization recognizes that this decision has caused additional barriers for some of our customers, and for that B.C. Transit apologizes.”
Printed schedules will return to bus stops in January, as soon as the new materials can be produced and installed, the company said.
In addition, the Rider’s Guide, printed for this fall, is still valid through to January. Transit said it has a limited amount available, and they were also distributed to libraries, recreation centres and malls throughout the region.
Riders who want to plan their trip in advance or request a printed copy can contact a customer service agent at 250-382-6161.
