Due to lack of drivers, StarTran is modifying evening services.
The change will start on August 18th. Fixed route evening service, VanLNK on demand, and paratransit services will end at 7 p.m. That is three hours earlier than what is currently offered and it will impact about 2% ridership.
LTU Director Liz Elliott said the changes are a result of a two-year hiring shortage that began at the start of the pandemic in Lincoln. Similar shortages are occurring nationwide, she said.
“StarTran’s bus operators have served the public through these challenging times without fail. I am so proud of their dedication to this city,” Elliott said. “Due to our hiring shortage, the transit system needed to modify its evening service. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding.”
Two bus routes will not be affected by the modifications. Routes 24 and 25 near the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus will continue to operate until 9 p.m. along with limited paratransit service within three-fourths of a mile of Routes 24 and 25.
Plans are underway for a major three month hiring campaign from mid-September to Mid-November. Their goal is hire 23 new drivers and one bus mechanic. This campaign will cost $55,000.
“We are thinking big and finding new, innovative ways to attract great candidates,” Elliott said. “The StarTran hiring campaign will have an online presence and market to potential applicants on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Radio, billboard ads and an interactive website will offer applicants an exciting and visual way to learn about transit opportunities and give potential teammates an easy roadmap to join our team.”
StarTran continues to actively recruit and hire drivers, and a one-stop, all-inclusive hiring event is scheduled for October. Elliott said it will be the first job hiring event of its kind in City government.
Nearly one year ago, StarTran reduced service on five routes with the lowest ridership to reduce the impact to patrons. These routes will continue to serve patrons every 60 minutes instead of every 30 minutes during peak hours.
StarTran is currently accepting applications at lincoln.ne.gov/transitcareer.