Metro driver shortage cancels bus trips

SEATTLE — King County Metro has canceled several trips on a few routes this week because they don't have enough drivers.

Several people have shown up to their stop and the bus never came.

King County Metro estimates they need about 200 new drivers to address the issue.

It's a problem that has been ongoing for Metro, and just this week a worker at our news partner KIRO Radio says he waited at this bus stop at Alki Beach for two days in row. Both days, the bus did not come.

According to King County Metro, the shortage of drivers is affecting the whole region.

The operation currently has about 2,700 drivers, but it still needs a few hundred more drivers for the routes to fully run.

When KIRO 7 did this story last year, Metro officials told us it's not easy to find qualified drivers.

“We want best possible people we can get. We are not willing to lower our standards. Safety takes precedence,” said Ted Harris with King County Metro.

Back then, Metro said they were adding more routes, so they need even more drivers.

Meanwhile, KIRO 7 checked into the starting wage for Metro drivers. It's about $22 an hour. They also offer medical, dental, and vacation benefits.

Cox Media Group