Bus and coach drivers who are members of the Transport Union are concerned about the turbulence in the bus sector and the sustainability of the sector, and consequently, in the light of recent political decisions, the union has proposed to employers to start negotiations on bus and coach drivers' salaries from 2020.

According to Üllar Kallas, the chairman of the Transport Trade Union, bus drivers' pay needs to rise sharply so that there will be enough bus drivers tomorrow and the day after. "The situation in the bus and coach sector is critical as, according to the Transport Workers' Union, 80% of bus and coach drivers are over the age of 51," said Kallas, adding that at today's wages, companies are already finding it difficult to recruit bus and coach drivers.

For the planned free bus services to work and for bus services not to grind to a halt in the future, there will need to be radical changes in public procurement and in the behaviour of contracting authorities and carriers. "In the light of the above, clear measures should be planned so that we can continue to enjoy an uninterrupted and safe passenger transport service," said Kallas.