Transit service strained by global auto parts shortage: recovery plan in place

Saskatoon Transit continues to deliver service as world-wide supply chain shortages put a strain on service.  

“The ability to source and obtain parts in a timely manner because of the parts shortages related to the pandemic and other recent events, globally and nationally, have been major contributing factors to getting buses repaired and quickly back into service,” says Jim McDonald, Director of Saskatoon Transit. 

McDonald says the challenges in obtaining parts in a timely manner, as well as increased probability of mechanical breakdowns with an aging fleet, differentiates this winter from other winters with prolonged extreme cold weather events.  

“Fortunately, the extreme cold weather has subsided, but it will take a few days to address the backlog of mechanical repairs.”  

What Transit is doing: 
On average, Saskatoon Transit has been about five to ten buses short during weekdays. We know service cuts of any kind have a significant impact on those that rely on Transit Services. The team at Transit considers all options when required to make service reductions and decisions are based on minimizing impacts to riders.  

The service impact is a reduction in some neighbourhood frequency, but no routes are completely cancelled and service to High Schools is covered, however riders may need to take alternate routes. 

Solutions to get more buses on the road: 

• Buses are being sent to third party garages to add to maintenance resources. 
• Buses with long term defects or parts that are not available or delayed are being used to fix other buses.  
• Check Engine Light calls are being investigated and sent back on the road more quickly. 
• Issues that do not involve Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, brakes or steering are quickly checked and sent back on the road if it is safe to do so. HVAC, brakes and steering issues that need repair are booked for a mechanic as soon as possible, however fixing the issue is contingent on parts availability. 
• Working with nearby Transit properties to determine what parts can be accessed from them. Transit has also been working with parts distributors to get as many parts as possible. 
• To ensure more parts are on-hand, maximum/minimum stock levels have been changed for high-demand parts or for parts that take longer to obtain. 
• Maintenance staff have been working overtime.