Bus industry studies familiar driver issues

RICHMOND HILL, Ont. — Canada’s bus and motor coach industry competes with trucking carriers for manpower behind the big wheel. It also faces many of the same driver shortage challenges and is now launching a campaign to attract and retain drivers from an ever-shrinking pool.

Canada’s bus industry is poised for steady growth, but with that comes challenges in human resources, according to a Motor Carrier Passenger Council of Canada (MCPCC) study, On the Move, involving over two years of in-depth research including national and regional industry, government, labor and education consultations.

On the Move examines the industry’s preparedness, response and future in a changing environment with increased security threats, pandemics, environmental issues, restrictive legislation and increased workplace violence.

Participants in the process concluded that the immediate future will see on-going attention to such priorities as meeting skills demands, dealing with an ageing workforce, occupational health and safety and combating limitations in the supply of qualified resources.

“Since the last Study in 1997, the industry has made solid advances in a variety of human resources initiatives,” says Joan Crawford, CHRP, and executive director of the Motor Carrier Passenger Council of Canada. “Programs have been introduced unique to the Canadian bus industry such as National Occupational Standards, National Certification of bus drivers, and Accreditation of training programs, attracting interest from the international community.

Key findings of the study emphasize the need for employers, unions, educators and government to focus more than ever on the skills of our workforce. With steady ridership and employment growth and retirements on the horizon, we are definitely looking for those candidates who possess the requisite skills of good communications and technical ability to join the ranks.”