By Brendan Burke [1]
BELLEVILLE – A Belleville Transit driver said a bus shortage resulted in a stalled morning commute for several riders Wednesday.
Students and commuters jockeying for a spot on the # 7 Loyalist College route were met with more than a greeting and bus pass check by driver Eric just after 8:30 AM.
Eric, who didn’t want to give his last name, told riders that only one bus would be running – a cut from the two buses normally in service. It’s not clear if the reduced service has already begun.
Eric told bus passengers he empathized with commuters, acknowledging the inconvenience before urging the crowd to voice their discontent with the city’s transit management.
“Call City Hall, and ask for Mr. Coffey,” he implored.
Matt Coffey is the acting manager and planner of Belleville’s transit services.
The driver added that the reduction is not an issue of being short-staffed, but rather a shortage of vehicles themselves.
The busy Loyalist route provides integral transportation to college students and employees alike – as the route includes a stop at Convergys call centre.
One less bus means many school and work-bound commuters were left to secure their own mode of transportation.
QNet News is awaiting comment from Belleville Transit [2] staff. More to come.