Yakutsk's bus delays worsen as driver shortages cripple private operators

Bus services in Yakutsk are facing delays and long waits for passengers. Private operators are struggling to stick to timetables, while the city’s own buses remain reliable. The issues stem from a shortage of drivers and uneven route coverage. YAPAK, the municipal bus service, ran 99.6% of its scheduled trips last week. In contrast, private operator Soyuz Avto only managed 75%. This inconsistency has left residents waiting at stops for extended periods, particularly on holidays when drivers work rotating shifts.

Soyuz Avto currently lacks at least 200 drivers to maintain smooth operations. To tackle the shortage, the company is training new drivers, offering housing, and looking into hiring from abroad. Drivers in Yakutsk earn between 60,000 and 100,000 rubles monthly, depending on distance covered.

The city plans to optimise routes through the centre by March, taking public feedback into account. All buses that previously used Lenin Avenue will resume service once the road reopens. The driver shortage continues to disrupt private bus services in Yakutsk. Efforts to recruit and train staff are underway, but gaps in schedules persist. Route adjustments and road reopenings may ease some of the current delays.