Transdev doubles bus drivers' salaries in Utrecht to cope with summer schedule. The transport company warns of a 'challenging summer' due to driver shortages and vacations. Bus drivers can earn a lot extra. Since 1 June, drivers who work extra on Fridays and Saturdays receive 200 percent of their salary. Extra shifts during the week earn 170 percent. The payment will increase further during the peak summer vacation. From 11 July to 29 August, drivers will receive 200 percent of their salary for extra shifts, whether during the week or on weekends. According to a spokesperson for Transdev, it's a temporary measure. 'We're currently facing a shortage of drivers not only in Utrecht but also across the country,' she says. 'It's due to factors like a tight labor market, absenteeism, and vacation time.' The extra payment is meant to incentivize drivers to work extra hours. 'With this arrangement, we want to reward colleagues who have the opportunity to work extra hours and contribute to a reliable service for our passengers in Utrecht,' the spokesperson says. According to Transdev, passengers can continue to rely on public transportation this summer. 'That's why we're currently operating a schedule that matches our available capacity, so we can perform as many planned trips as possible,' the spokesperson says. The past few months have been chaotic in Utrecht's bus service since Transdev took over from the previous operator, Qbuzz. The situation has calmed down somewhat, partly due to the reduction in the schedule. Transdev now operates fewer buses than initially promised to the province, which is responsible for public transportation. The company has been fined for this. Drivers don't need to worry about their vacation, according to Transdev. It will go ahead as planned. The transport company acknowledges