Port Authority of Allegheny County hiring as driver shortage leads to missed trips for riders

PITTSBURGH — Short drivers and maintenance workers, the Port Authority of Allegheny County is hiring.

The staffing shortage, which includes about 100 drivers and 60 maintenance workers, has led to missed trips -- which the Port Authority called an “unfortunate reality.”

Riders said they’ve encountered buses either being late or not showing up at all. It’s a problem that is not unique to Pittsburgh, with public transit agencies across the country experiencing the same issues.

Port Authority officials are encouraging riders to check before leaving to see if their trips have been pulled from service.

The driver shortage in Pittsburgh could also impact Pittsburgh Public Schools students. The district’s first day of classes is Friday, and many students use public transportation to get to school.

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“I’m worried about my grandkids getting to school. It’s not consistent. We have to pay if they miss a bus or if it doesn’t show up or if there’s a change in a route. It’s always last minute,” Darrell Oaks, a Port Authority rider, said.

PPS said it is in constant communication with the Port Authority, and students will not be penalized if they’re late to school because of a busing issue.

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The Port Authority is working on recruiting drivers, and a job fair is planned for Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. at PA CareerLink’s office on Wood Street in downtown Pittsburgh. Drivers start at $22 per hour after training.

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