Understanding Driver Absenteeism

Absenteeism is a persistent problem that can directly impact an organization’s ability to meet the demands of providing service. When other factors such as job satisfaction, the attractiveness of the profession to current and future workers, and the evolving attitudes toward work are added, absenteeism in 2025 plays a significant role in workforce availability.

To assist the public transportation industry, several APTA members participated in a global study on driver absenteeism. The result is a report, Understanding Absenteeism in Public Transport Operations, that describes the causes and impact of absenteeism, while identifying action plans that organizations can use to address the issue. This report was developed by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).

Two of UITP’s business members, Alexandre Guyot and Jérôme Cointot, present the key factors from the report in a video recorded with APTA’s Workforce Development and Educational Services team. The video includes questions from APTA members to help make a direct correlation to challenges faced in the U.S.

Two APTA Workforce Development Committee leaders are featured in the video: George Fields, deputy general manager, human resources at the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, who serves as 1^st vice chair of the Labor & Employee Relations Subcommittee; and Steve Jovel, operations manager, workforce development at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, San Jose, CA, who serves as 1^st vice chair of the Education & Career Awareness Subcommittee.

Access the report, video, and accompanying presentation slides here. A special thank you to Christel Goossens at UITP for partnering with APTA to share the report. Questions and comments are welcomed; contact workforce@apta.com.