Shortage Of Drivers Forces GGFT Schedule Changes

Beginning Monday, April 17th, Greater Glens Falls Transit (GGFT) will change the Route 11, Route 12, and Route 19 weekday bus routes until further notice. GGFT has alerted the other municipalities that will be affected by these changes… These changes are being made because of a shortage of bus drivers.

The Route 11 and Route 12 weekday bus route – which runs along Upper Glen Street to Aviation Mall and the Wal-Mart on Route 9 in Queensbury – will be replaced by the Route 19 weekday bus. The Route 19 weekday bus, which typically runs along Bay Street and Quaker Road, will now run along Glen Street, while also servicing Upper Glen Street, the Wal-Mart on Route 9 in Queensbury, and the Montcalm Apartments.

Not only will be the Route 11 and Route 12 weekday bus route be different, but also, the times of the new Route 19 weekday bus route will change:

• Route 11, Route 12 bus – normally at 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM – replaced by Route 19 bus at 9:30 AM
• Route 11, Route 12 bus – normally at 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – replaced by Route 19 bus at 10:30 AM
• Route 11, Route 12 bus – normally at 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM – replaced by Route 19 bus at 12:30 PM
• Route 11, Route 12 bus – normally at 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM – replaced by Route 19 bus at 2:30 PM
• Route 11, Route 12 bus – normally at 3:30 PM – replaced by Route 19 bus at 3:30 PM

“Throughout the state, from the largest to the smallest communities, public transit ensures the basic level of mobility for the local population and for the economy,” stated Scott Sopczyk, the long-time GGFT Transportation Director who is due to retire at the end of May. “Without public transportation, there would be many residents who would be at a severe disadvantage.”

“Scott and his entire crew have done a phenomenal job keeping our GGFT bus schedule running at ‘full capacity’,” said Bill Collins, the Mayor of Glens Falls.  “And I can’t thank the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) enough for all of the help with loaning drivers and other personnel to GGFT over the last 24 months.”

“The challenges GGFT continues to have in hiring and retaining drivers and mechanics is no different than what any other industry is facing,” continued Collins.  “It’s a difficult decision to consolidate these bus routes now, as we know how much the region counts on our city’s transportation system.  Unfortunately, we’re looking at the potential of consolidating additional bus routes by month’s end. It is the real-life evidence as to why the merger with CDTA needs to come to fruition.”

“We’re facing these challenges when we’re heading into the busiest time of the public transportation year,” continued Collins.  “We’re doing everything we can to ensure our buses are running, because we understand they are a critical part in the summer economy in the area.”

For more information regarding this or any other issue, please reach out via e-mail at communicationsdirector@cityofglensfalls.com or tdrawbridge@cityofglensfalls.com.  If your issue is urgent or if you’re looking to speak with Mayor Collins regarding a formal comment, please call (518) 920-4884.