Economic and occupational causes of transit operator absenteeism: a review of research

Transit operator absence from work is a costly and pervasive problem within public transport organizations. This paper reviews over forty international studies in order to document significant factors related to this phenomenon. We begin with a brief assessment of the magnitude and costs of operator absence and isolate two major theories which have been proposed to explain operator absence behaviour: the income‐leisure trade‐off and occupational stress. Case study reports from three U.S. public transport organizations are used to illustrate the range of factors which influence employee absence behaviour. We conclude with suggestions for organizational changes which may serve to reduce operator absence and suggestions for further research.