WORCESTER, Mass. - Over the past few weeks, some WRTA bus routes have been delayed or missed, but it’s not because of a driver shortage.

WRTA administrator Dennis Lipka said the problem is mostly affecting routes on Fridays and it’s because of COVID-19 related sick calls or employees out due to paid family medical leave.

The other issue the WRTA is running into is under the FTA rules. Drivers must work less than 60 hours a week and often, by the time Friday comes, drivers have reached the limit..

Last Friday, they had nearly 20 drivers out. 

Lipka said the current contract they have with their drivers will end at the end of the summer. In the next contract, the WRTA wants to work with the union to give drivers a pay differential for being on call.