Denver RTD hires 50 rail, bus workers during labor shortage

The Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) yesterday announced that a new class of 50 light-rail and bus operations and technicians will begin orientation and training.

News of the new hires comes weeks after RTD announced it's exploring temporary service reductions to address an ongoing labor shortage and challenges in operator recruitment and retention.

Operator call-outs typically increase on Fridays and Mondays, further reducing the workforce available to deliver service. RTD is aiming to notify riders of expected canceled trips in advance. It's also working with labor leaders to soften elements of the collective bargaining agreement to allow the agency flexibility in how it uses the workforce to fill canceled trips, RTD officials said in a press release. 

Until Nov. 17, the agency is soliciting public opinion on the proposed service reductions via an online survey.