Cape Transit Authority hiring incentive

Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority (CTA) has reported it is still looking for drivers for its fixed route bus services and for on-demand taxis.

Kelley Watson is accounting manager for Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority. Watson told a local transportation council that CTA has been offering a hiring incentive to attract new drivers.Submitted

Kelley Watson, CTA accounting manager, told Southeast Metropolitan Planning Organization (SEMPO) the agency has been offering a $500 hiring incentive.

"We have seen a (recent) uptick in applicants who meet all the requirements and we've hired five or six new drivers, and that's good news," she said.

Watson said CTA is facing a challenge of obtaining replacement vehicles.

"For the most part, from the time we order vehicles to the time they're received, it's almost a two-year turnaround, where in the past it's been more like a nine- to 15-month (wait), and that's kind of discouraging. Even if I hire a lot of new drivers, I've got to have the vehicles, and we're working to find alternative solutions," Watson added.

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