GRTC is starting to fill driver vacancies and could have a full complement of 300 drivers before the end of the year based on current recruitment, according to a report to the regional transit company’s board Tuesday.

The board, which dramatically boosted driver pay during the spring, was told that if the projections for increases in driver numbers prove out, the company could begin to increase service on routes that were cut back because there were too few bus operators and begin to consider additional service.

As of July 31, the company reported that it had 251 full-time and 29 part-time bus operators, an increase of 15 from a year earlier, with more than 70 people in training.

The company also is focused on improving recruitment of drivers for its specialty van service for the elderly and disabled, where vacancies have been harder to fill.

GRTC also reported growth in ridership on its Pulse bus rapid transit line and on fixed routes and noted to the board that its cash position remains strong as revenues continue to exceed budgeted costs, despite maintaining fare-free service.