HRT warns council it needs hundreds of new operators to run expanded service

Hampton Roads Transit officials told council the planned expansion of core routes will create a substantial operator recruitment and training need.

"Just for those routes in group a, we need 57 new operators... 290 additional operators," Ray Amoruso said, describing total staffing needs to run the expanded 13 core routes (group A, B and C). He added HRT is currently short roughly 35 operators and that recruiting is difficult because private trucking firms often pay higher wages for CDL holders.

Staff described partnerships with local workforce development programs and the city’s academies to help build a pipeline. Amoruso and city officials said HRT's human resources director has partnered with Hampton and Norfolk on operator training and that HRT has graduated trainees from a joint program but will need to expand recruitment and incentives to retain employees.

Council members welcomed the workforce collaboration and suggested closer ties with local schools and training centers. HRT said it will return with more specific recruitment and pay‑structure options tied to collective bargaining considerations.