The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, or RFTA, says it’s unlikely that local commuters would see the same cuts in service that have been proposed to Front Range public transportation.
RFTA communications manager Jamie Tatsuno says while the organization does face driver shortages, they manage to find enough, even during peak ridership in the summer and winter.
“I wouldn’t say we’re struggling more than any other employer in the valley, and if anything, maybe we’re doing a little better,” she said.
Denver's Regional Transportation District is considering cutting a “significant amount” of its bus and train routes because of driver shortages.
Tatsuno says that RFTA does see high turnover, but that enough people want seasonal work in the Roaring Fork Valley that they can maintain current levels of service.
She also attributes RFTA's ability to attract and retain drivers to a positive culture that includes a mentorship program for new drivers.
Drivers for the Regional Transportation District are being forced to work overtime due to the shortage. RFTA driver shifts average around eight or nine hours in length, with several scheduled breaks for layovers and lunches.
