Surge in COVID-19 cases, worker shortage affecting RTD service
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
RTD selects HDR for consultation on northwest commuter line.
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A surge of new coronavirus cases and an existing need for frontline workers are having adverse impacts on RTD's ability to provide its scheduled service.
“We are doing our best to maintain service within our existing resource constraints,” General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said. “While RTD’s Operations team is working as creatively as possible in its approach to covering open shifts, our ‘people power’ is being severely affected by the prevalence of the omicron coronavirus variant. We know this situation creates difficulty for our customers, and we apologize for any inconvenience they are experiencing due to these circumstances that are beyond our control.”
The prevalence of the Omicron variant has brought the number of new coronavirus cases and the percentage of positive tests to their highest points since the start of the pandemic. RTD – like schools, restaurants and retail businesses – is being challenged to provide service because of employees testing positive for COVID-19. Between Dec. 15 and Jan. 5, the agency has seen 77 new employee cases, spanning all facilities and operating divisions. This reality is coupled with existing vacancies for frontline positions that include bus and rail operators, technicians and mechanics.
“The prevalence of the Omicron variant has brought the number of new coronavirus cases and the percentage of positive tests to their highest points since the start of the pandemic.”
Regional Transportation District, Denver
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