Transit Workforce Dashboard Promotes Employment in Public Transit

A new online tool aims to help transit agencies recruit and retain workers.

1 minute read

March 10, 2023, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Two Chicago transit operators standing in front of a bus and smiling at the camera

Jes Farnum / Chicago bus operators

A new online dashboard from the Transit Workforce Center compiles a wealth of data about public transit workforces as part of an effort to help agencies attract and retain workers. “The dashboard creates a one-stop shop for ‘visualizations and digestible information about the transit workforce’ that will be continually updated, the Transit Workforce Center said.”

As Dan Zukowski explains in Smart Cities Dive, since the beginning of the pandemic, working conditions have worsened dramatically for many transit operators. “Existing skilled workers are leaving transit jobs, frustrated by inflexible schedules, low wages and few opportunities for professional growth. Physical attacks on bus drivers became more common beginning in the 2010s and increased at the start of the pandemic.”

Zukowski adds that “TWC projects that 13.2% of bus drivers will leave the role each year from 2021 to 2031. By 2030, transit and intercity bus systems will have to fill 233,000 bus operator positions, with 220,000 of those hires needed to replace drivers who leave or retire.” The dashboard is designed to provide a nationwide directory of information and help agencies illustrate the benefits of working in public transit.

Thursday, March 9, 2023 in Smart Cities Dive

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City