METRO RTA apologizes for missed, late buses in Akron

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - Summit County METRO RTA is apologizing for missed and late buses, blaming a wave of driver call-offs that has canceled some trips, especially on Fridays and weekends.

METRO RTA said as many as 59 operators called off in a single day within the past two weeks, about a third of its drivers.

“We are having call-offs at a more alarming rate than we typically have had,” said Marketing and PR Director Molly Becker.

According to a union spokesperson, the increased call-offs are due to a wave of illnesses and a staffing shortage.

He says they’ve been understaffed for years, so operators are overworked.

The agency has extended job offers to 50 new operators. 35 of the 50 have already accepted.

Becker said the replacements will cover sick calls and normal attrition.

Most of the new hires, according to Becker, will be on the roads by November.

In the meantime, the agency is also using managers with commercial licenses to help cover routes.

Officials remind riders to use the transit app for real-time updates.

You can also call their customer care line: 330-762-0341.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.