MTA's Graduation Day for a New Class of 90 Bus Operators

MTA's Graduation Day for a New Class of 90 Bus Operators

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that 90 newly trained bus operators graduated following their successful completion of training at the Zerega Training Center in Castle Hill in the Bronx.

These operators will help New York City Transit (NYCT) tackle recent crew shortage challenges and bolster the frequency of bus service. 

“More bus operators mean more service for New Yorkers at a time when riders are returning to the transit system,” said Craig Cipriano, NYCT interim president . “By improving our recruiting efforts and accelerating the training process, we are able to address the staff shortages that began during the pandemic.” 

The graduation took place as New York City Transit Bus and MTA Bus Company combined ridership hovers between 60 and 70% of pre-pandemic levels. It also marked the formal end of six weeks of training that began in November.

“Riders can expect a high level of bus service supported by this new group of bus operators,” said Frank Annicaro, acting president at the MTA Bus Company . “Our team is committed to doing its part to help bring back New York City.” 

The new employees join the 265 bus operators who recently completed their training, and the hundreds of NYCT workers who are expected to be onboarded in the months ahead.