MBTA Fires 32 Drivers For Missing Work

The head of the MBTA says the transit agency has fired 32 bus drivers in the past six months because of chronic absenteeism that has led to delays and cancellations on some routes.

T General Manager Richard Davey tells The Boston Globe the drivers cost the agency thousands of dollars in overtime. He says to replace drivers who call in sick or otherwise fail to appear, the T has typically relied on overtime replacements, often at a cost of more than $200,000 a week.

Davey has asked staff to cut back on the practice, while trying to maintain service during peak hours or on key routes.

That has led to some canceled runs and more crowded buses.