Parts and labour shortages blamed on COVID-19 pandemic stall LTC bus service improvements
Plans to enhance London Transit bus service next month have been delayed until next year.
In a new report to the London Transit Commission, administration blames a shortage of bus parts and drivers for stalling service improvements on Routes 31 and 34 until at least February 2022.
The routes link Western University to Masonville Place Shopping Mall and the Hyde Park neighbourhood.
Currently, 14 city buses are idled because pandemic-related supply chain issues have impacted parts needed to make repairs.
“The parts required are outstanding, noting in some cases, suppliers are indicating a delivery date of 16 weeks out from date of order,” reads the report.
In addition, five buses are out of service because of a North America-wide shortage of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors — the delivery date is unknown.
London Transit has also learned of an impending tire shortage, “shipments will be limited until further notice.”
Meanwhile, staffing issues continue to plague the public transit agency.
Since the beginning of August, 14 new drivers completed their training, but 17 unexpectedly retired.
The average age of the retired drivers was 66, and their decisions are being linked to the worldwide pandemic employment phenomenon dubbed The Great Resignation.
The report concludes, “This compliment level is not sufficient to return to full fall 2019 service levels, nor can it support the frequency improvements on Routes 31 and 34 as planned.”
Hiring efforts are also being thwarted by candidates declining job offers.
“There has been a discernible increase in the number of candidates who complete the entire recruitment process, and then decline the position when it is offered, with most indicating they had chosen to move forward with other opportunities, or to stay with their current employer,” explains the report.
The London Transit Commission will discuss the pandemic’s impacts on service at its Oct. 27 meeting.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.