According to the latest report from the Ministry of Transportation, the average monthly salary in the public bus sector reached NT$61,000 in 2024, an increase of NT$8,575 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. However, the industry is currently facing a significant workforce shortage, with around 18,000 employees nationwide, a decrease of 4,638 over the past seven years. The total average working hours per month high at 198.6 hours, including 32.9 hours of overtime, reflecting a dual challenge of labor shortages and work pressure.

In 2024, the average employment in the transportation and storage sector is expected to be 297,000, down 11,000 from 2019. While both the trucking and other transport support sectors maintain employment above 70,000, the public bus transportation and port sectors have hit all-time lows.

The Ministry of Transportation notes that the number of employees in the public bus sector has continuously decreased since 2019. Although salaries have risen, the long working hours and high job intensity make it difficult to attract new talent. In contrast, the maritime and aviation sectors have shown signs of recovery with significantly increased salaries.

The general manager of Capital Bus admitted that while passengers have returned post-pandemic, drivers have not been replenished as expected, leading to tight schedules and forced overtime. He emphasized that despite the government's attempts to bring in foreign workers to fill driving gaps, the root issue lies in the 'low fare system.'