OSTA: Driver shortage continues, authority short 20 operators as of Friday [Video]

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) says its driver shortage continues to be an issue, with a slight improvement since last week.

The authority is reporting a shortage of 20 drivers, impacting 1.8 per cent of its services – around 80 transportation trips – as of Friday. OSTA was short 24 drivers on Aug. 28.

Currently, there are approximately 14 drivers in training awaiting their licences from the Ministry of Transportation.

“We continue to work closely with our ministry partners to ensure that licensing clearances are being processed as quickly as possible,” OSTA said on its website.

While most of the affected routes are in west-end and central Ottawa, OSTA says it acknowledges the impact the shortage has on students and their families, especially those living in rural areas. It notes that providing safe, reliable and efficient transportation to and from school remains a top priority, pointing out its continuous …