Is Metro's expansion in peril due to driver shortage? Union chief sees bus route cuts ahead

A little over a month after Cincinnati Metro began its 24/7 service on seven of its major routes, union leaders say the bus system may have to cut routes to accommodate for a lack of drivers. Metro says no decisions have been made.

A Facebook post on the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 67's page claims Metro's CEO Darryl Haley plans to make service cuts. The post was from Union president and business agent Troy Miller. 

"Today CEO Darryl Haley notified me Metro plans to make service cuts since we are short of operators. I have explained to him numerous times we aren’t paying enough to be competitive with this job market," the post read. 

The post comes after Miller expressed concerns about staffing levels back in late May, just before Metro began its 24-hour service routes. 

The 24/7 service is a part of the first phase of its Reinventing Metro plan. This was made possible with the passing of Issue 7 last spring. The additional 0.8% Hamilton County sales tax should provide about $100 million a year for the bus system plus another $30 million a year for road and bridge projects throughout the county. 

"We don't have the people," Miller told The Enquirer Tuesday. "I mean it's just everywhere you go right now there's not enough people."

Miller says that compared to its competitor First Transit, Metro isn't meeting the mark. 

"First Transit and First Student started between $20 (an hour) to $21. Because of our contract so again we're still $17. So, so where are you going to go?" he said. 

Miller does not know which routes will be cut but says if he had to guess, it wouldn't be the routes that have just recently begun 24-hour service. 

Brandy Jones, vice president of external affairs, says that it is standard practice for the Metro to review service each quarter and make adjustments. At this time, she says no specific adjustments have been determined. 

In an effort to bring on more drivers, the bus service is offering paid training and up to a $1,000 signing bonus. Miller said bus operators are also wearing T-shirts, including the logos for Metro and the union, that tout the hiring benefits.