Utrecht to pay bus drivers double to keep summer service running

Bus drivers in Utrecht are being offered double pay to take on extra shifts during the summer months as the service struggles with staff shortages.

Operator Transev said it was anticipating a “challenging summer” and passengers needed to “be able to keep relying on public transport”, in an internal memo seen by RTV Utrecht.

From June 1 drivers who work an extra shift during the week will be paid an extra 70% of their usual rate, rising to 100% on Fridays and Saturdays. In August all additional shifts will be paid at double rate.

“At the moment we are dealing with a shortage of drivers, not just in Utrecht but in the public transport system nationwide,” a spokesman for Transev said. “That is connected to factors such as the tight labour market, leave and absence.

“This arrangement allows us to adequately reward colleagues who are able to work more and at the same time ensure the most reliable service we can offer to our passengers in Utrecht.”

The company added it would not be asking staff to cancel their holidays to fill in for absent colleagues.