The chronic shortage of bus and tram drivers, which has long been at the root of Turin’s public transport disruptions, is finally being met with a decisive response. At the urging of the City Council, Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) has launched an ambitious recruitment and training campaign—aimed not only at addressing today’s gaps but also at strengthening the workforce for the future.
This morning, during a meeting with the City Council’s Local Public Services and Transportation committees, chaired by Emanuele Busconi, GTT representatives outlined the steps already in motion.
Recruitment in Numbers
The company’s call for new drivers last June drew a significant response: 280 applicants with existing bus licenses and an impressive 2,000 aspiring drivers holding only a category B license.
However, challenges persist. Of the licensed applicants, roughly half failed to show up for the selection process. Still, the initiative has yielded results: fifty drivers are already on the road, while another thirty are undergoing medical checks and are expected to join in the coming weeks. The application deadline has now been extended to October 31, with an additional thirty candidates already stepping forward.
Among aspiring drivers, 480 applicants passed the initial screening and were placed on a two-year eligibility list. Starting next week, motivational interviews will pave the way for five training courses, each with 25 participants. The courses, fully financed by GTT, will prepare candidates for their professional license.
Incentives and Commitments
To attract and retain talent, GTT is offering substantial perks. Each new hire will receive financial bonuses totalling €3,500—split between the start of employment and the end of the probation period—on top of a gross annual salary of €29,000, rising to €30,000 next year. In exchange, employees must commit to staying with the company for at least five years.
Beyond Drivers: Strengthening the Whole System
While drivers remain the priority, GTT is also boosting other critical roles. Forty-one new staff have been hired for vehicle and infrastructure maintenance, alongside five specialists in areas like ICT and control systems. Selections are ongoing for additional positions, including transportation engineers, surveyors, and safety experts.
The ultimate target: raising the number of active drivers from 1,680 today to 1,750 by mid-next year.
Councillors’ Voices.
During the committee meeting, councillors Viale, Firrao, Abbruzzese, Greco, Diena, Garione, Tuttolomondo, and Borasi engaged in discussion, offering feedback and seeking clarifications on the company’s plans.
For those interested in joining GTT’s revitalised workforce, more information is available on the company’s website: GTT Careers.
