Several transit agencies across the Tucson metro area are hosting a hiring fair Saturday, searching for drivers to operate small and large vehicles to serve residents throughout Pima County.
A driver shortage plagued transit systems throughout the area before the pandemic. It was exacerbated when the virus that causes COVID-19 significantly curtailed normal activities.
Hiring fair details:
July 24
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Innovation Tech High School
3300 S. Park Ave. (bus route 25)
Additional details
Several Sun Tran services, including Express services, Sun Shuttle, and Sun Shuttle Dial-A-Ride are funded by the Regional Transportation Authority’s half-cent excise (sales) tax voters approved in 2006. The tax funds the RTA’s 20-year regional transportation plan also approved by voters.
Drivers are a critical part of the transit infrastructure, and shortages can impact service: Sun Express service is struggling to add trips to its routes even as potential riders increasingly return to traditional worksites and resume standard commutes; Sun Shuttle Dial-A-Ride service is experiencing delays and customers may wait longer to get rides, even when they book several days in advance.
“We provide funding for these services because we know people depend on them. We hope we are able to pair job seekers with these positions so the numerous transit operators can once again serve the community as well as intended,” said Amber Wagner, the RTA’s Transportation Mobility Administrator.
Agencies attending the hiring fair include:
- Tucson Unified School District
- University of Arizona
- Town of Oro Valley
- Sun Tran, Sun Van and Sun Link
- Sun Shuttle/Total Ride