Ninety new bus drivers graduate Bronx training
The Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (MTA) announced
on Dec. 23 that 90 newly trained bus
operators graduated following their
successful completion of training at
the Zerega Training Center in Castle
Hill in the Bronx.
These operators will help New
York City Transit tackle recent
crew shortage challenges and bolster
the frequency of bus service.
This marked the formal end of six
weeks of intensive training that began
in November. The graduation
took place as New York City Transit
Bus and MTA Bus Company combined
ridership hovers between
60% and 70% of pre-pandemic levels.
“More bus operators mean more
service for New Yorkers at a time
when riders are returning to the
transit system,” said New York City
Transit Interim President Craig
Cipriano. “By improving our recruiting
efforts and accelerating
the training process, we are able to
address the staff shortages that began
during the pandemic.”
The new employees join the 265
bus operators who recently completed
their training, and the hundreds
of New York City Transit
workers who are expected to be onboarded
in the months ahead — part
of a deliberate effort undertaken by
the MTA to rapidly grow the number
of bus operators, subway train
operators and conductors. A hiring
freeze — necessitated by a fi scal
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, DEC.22 31, 2021-JAN. 6, 2022 BTR
crisis that developed during the
pandemic — depleted the ranks of
bus operators with many veteran
workers retiring or leaving their
frontline posts.
“Riders can expect a high level
of bus service supported by this
new group of bus operators,” said
Frank Annicaro, acting president
at the MTA Bus Company
and senior vice president at New
York City Transit’s Department
of Buses. “Our team is committed
to doing its part to help bring back
New York City.”
-Bronx Times
(Above) New bus drivers sit together at the
training.
(Right) A new bus driver learns at the
training .Photos courtesy MTA
One time use only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon or offer.
Coupon offer good until December 31, 2022. Valid for any new
service except subscription fees. Must mention coupon at time of sale.