# Cover absent bus drivers with drivers from other depots | My Bus Driver GPS

> Driver shortages and absences force operators to loan drivers between depots. With turn-by-turn GPS guidance on every route, any driver can cover any shift, on any route.

- Web page: https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/covering-absent-drivers.htm
- Language: English (en)
- Other languages: [Français](https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/fr/covering-absent-drivers.htm.md), [Español](https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/es/covering-absent-drivers.htm.md), [Deutsch](https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/de/covering-absent-drivers.htm.md), [Português](https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/pt/covering-absent-drivers.htm.md), [हिन्दी](https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/hi/covering-absent-drivers.htm.md), [简体中文](https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/zh/covering-absent-drivers.htm.md), [日本語](https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/ja/covering-absent-drivers.htm.md)
- Last updated: 2026-11-07

## Cover absent drivers with drivers from other depots

Absences, driver shortages and peaks in demand mean that shifts often have to be covered by drivers who usually work on other routes, or even at another depot. With My Bus Driver GPS Companion, any available driver can take the shift, whatever the route.

### The challenge

When a driver is absent, the replacement must be qualified on the route. On large networks, that often rules out drivers from other depots, even when they are available. The result: cancelled trips, overtime for the same few drivers, or a replacement driver who is stressed and more likely to make mistakes.

### How the app helps

- The replacement driver selects the trip (route, direction, date, departure time) and is guided turn by turn along the exact route.
- Every stop is shown with its scheduled time, and the On Time Running indicator keeps the service on schedule.
- An off-route alert warns the driver if they leave the route.
- Before the shift, the driver can review the route on the companion website.

### Benefits

- More flexible rosters: drivers can be loaned between depots more easily.
- Fewer cancelled trips when drivers are absent.
- Less stress for drivers asked to cover new routes, which helps reduce absenteeism and improve retention.

> "I would like to keep it all the time to make sure I'm doing the correct routes safely and on time." – Bus driver using the app

### Related use cases

- [Train new bus drivers on their routes faster](https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/route-training-new-drivers.htm)
- [Rail replacement buses and special event services](https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/rail-replacement-special-events.htm)
- [Google Maps or Waze: why bus drivers need a dedicated GPS](https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/bus-gps-vs-google-maps.htm)

Want more flexibility in your rosters?

[Ask for a demo](https://www.mybusdrivergps.link/contact.htm)