Elron is forced to use buses instead of trains because train drivers refuse to work overtime. Due to railway maintenance, train drivers are working more, and travel times have increased, so regular hours are completed faster.
At 10 PM, the last trains to Tartu and Türi should depart from the Baltic Station. However, there are no trains, and none are coming. Passengers don't know how to get to their destinations. Passenger Ellen said: "I have to look for a bus because the train isn't running."
Ellen doesn't understand why the train company didn't send someone to show where the buses are going. The bus stops are hard to find. Ellen got home to Rapla later because the bus had to take a detour. It takes an hour longer to get to Rakvere. It takes over three hours to reach Tartu by bus.
Elron says they are using buses because there is a shortage of train drivers. The railway is under maintenance, and travel times have increased. Elron board member Märt Ehrenpreis said: "Train drivers are working more, but we don't have enough drivers."
The train drivers didn't get the expected pay raise, and many of them are doing other jobs. They don't want to work overtime. The work is now harder. Ehrenpreis said: "Overtime can be worked voluntarily, but we are in a difficult situation."
The shortage of train drivers is significant throughout August. Starting Wednesday, a bus will run on the Koidu line instead of a train. Ehrenpreis said: "This will help us cover sick leaves and sudden absences."