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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

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.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

45 minutes ago - UNM News

Bird's eye view of half-circle suburban street with large homes.

In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City

If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.

2 hours ago - Investopedia

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star