School bus driver shortage could delay routes for Rhode Island students

Schools are opening, but how will the kids get there?

There's an urgent call from bus companies that need drivers.

School districts nationwide are struggling with this, and Rhode Island is no exception.

The Cranston School District sent a memo to parents on Aug. 25 explaining a shortage of school bus drivers this year, and asking for their help in driving kids to and from school if at all possible.

"This issue may cause elementary students, in particular, to arrive home later in the afternoon than usual. We may need to 'double up' on bus runs, and delay times of students arriving home," the memo said.

A quick search online brings up dozens of bus driver job listings in Rhode Island, even offering sign on bonuses.

The private school bus contractor DATTCO has routes all over Rhode Island and is looking to fill another 40 drivers, aides and monitors. Like many other bus companies, it has struggled with recruitment since the beginning of the pandemic.

"The market for CDL drivers has really dried up because of COVID and the impact that has had on the industry," said Bryony Chamberlain, vice president of School Bus for DATTCO.

DATTCO is offering $3,000 sign on bonuses for certain positions, in addition to $1,000 employee referral bonuses.

If they don't fill these spots, the impact, like Cranston, will be noticeable.

"If a child has a route that might take a maximum of 20 minutes before, we might mix it with another route so that route is going to take 30 minutes," Chamberlain said.