Nearly all U.S. transit agencies face operator workforce shortages driven by demographic challenges, turnover, and job quality concerns. An aging workforce and pandemic-era retirements have intensified these shortages, while increases in roadway fatalities, road rage, violent incidents, and other safety concerns may contribute to actual or perceived workplace hazards. Transit operators also face significant job stress because they bear substantial responsibility for schedules, passenger safety, fare collection, and vehicle operation while having limited control over many factors affecting their work. These conditions can contribute to a range of physical and mental health risks, including cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

TCRP Synthesis 190: Strengthening the Transit Workforce Through Operator Health and Wellbeing, produced by TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program, explores the psychosocial hazards faced by transit operators, the impacts of these hazards on operator health and wellbeing, and the state of the practice in policies and programs developed by transit agencies to address them. The synthesis finds that psychosocial hazards are a significant concern for transit operators, particularly growing verbal and physical aggression from passengers, and that operators face elevated risks of physical and mental health conditions. Transit agencies use a range of programs and practices to address these hazards and promote operator wellbeing, although funding, staffing, and awareness challenges may limit their effectiveness.

Infrastructure Assets: Transit Assets
Resource Types: Research Report
Capabilities: Organization & People
Management Processes: Strategic Direction