Poland faces critical shortage of bus and coach drivers

Poland is facing a significant shortage of bus and coach drivers, a crisis that threatens to impact public mobility and local economies. According to data from the Barometr Zawodów, the deficit is widespread, affecting 222 counties across the country. In ten of these counties, the shortage is classified as “large.”

Jerzy Michalak, president of Polbus-PKS, noted that the lack of personnel directly affects the availability of public transport, which is a primary means of travel for many to reach work, school, or medical appointments. The shortage could lead to service cuts, increased ticket prices, and heightened transport exclusion for residents.

On a broader scale, Europe faced a shortage of approximately 105,000 bus and coach drivers in 2023. Projections suggest this gap could expand to roughly 275,000 drivers by 2028 if current trends continue.