Understaffed Mountain Line Cuts Service

MISSOULA – Mountain Line has adjusted frequency on Routes 1 and 2 from 15 minutes to 20 minutes in response to a staffing shortage. Routes 8 and 12 are also operating on adjusted schedules. These changes will remain in effect until further notice. Like many agencies across Missoula and the nation, Mountain Line is shorthanded. “COVID-19 has changed our community on many levels,” said Mountain Line CEO and General Manager Corey Aldridge. “Like many other workplaces right now, we are facing difficulty in recruiting suitable employees. Making these slight adjustments to schedules allows us to continue serving riders without major disruptions.” To provide regularly-scheduled service, Mountain Line needs a minimum of 50 full-time bus operators. Currently, the agency has 41 full-time drivers, with five more in various stages of training, and is actively recruiting for its next training class beginning November 1. “We are seeking individuals committed to safety and exceptional customer service, not necessarily those with previous transit experience,” said Aldridge. “A career with Mountain Line is about serving Missoula to benefit us all, with the opportunity to learn public transportation from the ground up.” Mountain Line offers comprehensive paid training, including taking employees through the process of earning their commercial driver’s license. The agency also offers full benefits and contributes to employee health reimbursement accounts, gym membership fees and retirement pensions on top of hourly wage.