Staffing shortages strain Greenlink's service

In what’s become an all-too-common issue for many employers, Greenville’s bus system, Greenlink, is experiencing staffing shortages that could force the service to cut back on routes.

“We were struggling with this since before the pandemic,” said James Keel, director of Greenlink. According to their contingency plan, when staffing drops to 31 drivers and supervisors, combined, the Woodruff Connector evening shift is cut. From there, other routes are cut as staffing levels drop.

In a normal year, Greenlink typically sees about 41 full-time bus drivers. Right now, they’ve got 28, Keel said.

He said he hopes bus services won’t be affected dramatically, and that any route cuts won’t happen on a daily basis. However, he noted that drivers do get sick or have family emergencies, and any extra absences would affect services.

Keel said Greenlink is struggling to hire new drivers and mechanics.

CDL training

“Trying to get people in the door has been a challenge,” he said. While drivers do need a commercial driver’s license, they will hire drivers who want to get their CDL. Keel said Greenlink will pay for CDL training, something that ordinarily costs more than $2,000. While in training, potential drivers earn $16 an hour.

Drivers who already have experience and a CDL can between $16.27 and $24 an hour, depending on experience. He also noted the state pensions and benefits that are available to drivers. They also offer a $1,000 sign-on bonus and a referral bonus to driver to refer new employees.

Keel said they’re also seeking mechanics.

“Finding a diesel mechanic who wants to work on a bus is like finding a needle in a haystack,” he said. Pay for mechanics ranges from $19.59 to $29.39 an hour. He said they also offer an Automotive Service Excellence Program comprised of 20 tests where drivers can earn an additional 25 cents an hour for each test they pass — up to an extra $5 an hour if the program is completed.