No One to Drive: Kuzbass Faces Shortage of Public Transport Drivers
The driver shortage in Kuzbass's public transport system is over 20%, with Kemerovo being the hardest hit.
Mar 6, 2026 0
Drivers have to take on a heavier workload because there is no one to replace them.
Source:
The driver shortage on regular public transport routes in Kuzbass has exceeded 20%. On Saturday, January 31, representatives of the regional Ministry of Transport told NGS42.RU which municipalities are facing the most acute situation.
In numerical terms, a 21.5% shortfall means transport companies need to hire an additional 780 people.
The staffing issue is most severe in Kemerovo, where 219 drivers are missing. In Novokuznetsk, despite the traditionally more problematic public transport situation overall, only 155 employees are lacking.
Meanwhile, a total of 2,800 drivers are employed in the region. There is barely one employee per vehicle. Overall, 801 regular routes are organized in the region, including intercity and operates 2,700 vehicles.
Earlier in Novokuznetsk, half of the city buses simply did not go out on the line. The situation for passengers was worsened by the fact that the frost outside exceeded -40 degrees Celsius (-40°F).
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