Due to a shortage of workers, Transports publics genevois (TPG) has confirmed that it will be reducing bus and trolley bus services in Geneva during weekdays. The Swiss public transport provider said that the change will affect rush hour services in the city, and be in place until further notice.

TPG to cut bus and trolley services due to increased sick leave

According to a TPG press release, bus and trolley bus lines in Geneva will see reduced services from Monday to Friday during rush hour. From when the school holidays in Geneva end on October 31, lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 19, 22, 23 and 25 will see services cut by 3 percent during peak hours - amounting to one fewer service an hour on the most popular lines. 

Instead of being caused by strike action - which led to massive disruption for TPG early in October - the company explained that the new cuts to services are because of an increase in the number of TPG employees taking sick leave. According to The Local, an average of 12 percent of bus and tram drivers in the city have been off sick since the summer.

The company noted that this phenomenon has spread nationwide. Already, authorities in Zurich have announced that the number 15 tramline will be suspended indefinitely due to a lack of staff.

Cuts to services in Geneva to remain until at least mid-December

“So far, TPG have compensated for the lack of staff by randomly cancelling services in the morning and evening… by calling on volunteer drivers during their holidays and by postponing training planned to free up staff,” the statement read. Therefore, to guarantee certainty for customers, and to take pressure off their staff, TPG concluded that a cut to services was necessary.

TPG confirmed that they would be revisiting the decision in mid-December. Passengers are encouraged to consult the TPG website or TPGPreview mobile app to see which services have been cut.