Commuters in Whittlesea and Hume are being urged to prepare for disruptions to public transport services in the coming weeks amid possible driver shortages.
In an alert issued on Tuesday morning, the Department of Transport warned there may be changes to some public transport services due to driver availability.
“With a large number of staff isolating, some services may be disrupted over the next few weeks as we work to balance timetable requirements with staff availability,” the alert said.
“The Department of Transport continues to work closely with public transport operators to minimise the impact on passengers and to ensure the health and welfare of our staff and passengers.
“Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time.”
According to the department, public transport patronage is currently at 29 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
“Public transport continues to operate under a COVIDSafe plan. We’re cleaning high-touch surfaces like next-stop buttons, door handles, myki touch points, handrails and grab straps regularly and cleaning trains, trams and buses, stations and stops every night. More than 500 hand sanitisers have been installed across the network,” the department said.
“All passengers, eight years and over must wear a fitted face mask when travelling on public transport.
“The Department of Transport thanks passengers for their patience and understanding during this challenging time.”
Details: ptv.vic.gov.au
