Driver shortage causes cancellations along Burlington Transit route

A shortage of drivers led to the cancellation of several trips along a Burlington bus route today (Aug. 18).

Burlington Transit reports that the absences caused cancellations on Route 1 Plains-Fairview trips.

Trips were cancelled in both directions starting at 12:59 p.m. until 3:50 p.m.

Burlington Transit and City Burlington officials could not be reached for comment.

No explanation was given for the driver shortage.

The cancellation led to some consternation from those on social media who questioned the lack of drivers.

“Hey (Mayor) Marianne Meed Ward maybe work out your staffing problem before you advocate free transit etc,” wrote one Twitter user referring to recent promises coming from City Hall about the eventual goal to offer free around-the-clock transit.

Another questioned the lack of information concerning the reason behind the driver shortage.

“Was this a labour problem or did everybody coincidently book off sick?” wrote another on a Facebook chat group.