Labor Dispute, Service Disruptions, and a Record Heat Wave Hit Reno's Bus System

It's been a tough week for buses and bus riders in and around Reno, Nevada.

1 minute read

July 15, 2021, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The famous (newer) "Biggest Little City in the World" sign in Reno, Nevada, with blurred lights from passing cars.

Hammond Photography / Shutterstock

 "Many public transit riders have encountered unexpected waits this week as the Reno area bus system has been crippled by ongoing labor disputes and shortages," reports Jenny Kane.

Routes serving Virginia and Lincoln streets were disrupted on Tuesday, July 13, with reduced headways and slower service speeds. In all, the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) eliminated 90 bus trips on July 13. The RTC eliminated 60 trips on the days leading up to July 13.

"Bus services have been less reliable due to continuing labor disputes between the bus drivers' labor union and Keolis North America, which is contracted to maintain both the buses and the staffing for the commission," reports Kane. Numerous drivers called in sick this week as an informal strike measure, as reported in a previous article by Bob Conrad.  

Tuesday, July 13, 2021 in Reno Gazette Journal

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