INDIANAPOLIS -- A school bus driver shortage is hitting Indiana school districts hard, and that means children and their parents are waiting longer for buses to show up.
Almost every single school district in the state is looking for bus drivers, according to the Office of School Transportation at the Indiana Department of Education.
Indianapolis Public Schools has 120 drivers but needs at least 30 more.
“I think it’s a growing problem,” said Manny Mendez, transportation director for IPS. “I’m seeing a constant loss of the staff after six months. Most folks just aren’t prepared for what the job entails.”
Bus drivers typically start their day at about 5:45 a.m., and finish their morning routes about 9:30, with afternoon routes running from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“Driving around the streets in a large bus can get a little daunting, but we train them, you get your CDL certification,” said Mendez.
Christina Williams, an IPS bus driver for 20 years, says the biggest perk is having time off when the students are on vacation.
“I love driving,” said Williams. “I’ve been able to pay my bills, take care of my three children. I look at the kids on my bus as if they were my own.”
Bus driver and trainer Brenda Jenkins said people are intimidated by the job.
“I think a lot of people are scared because of the size of the vehicle,” said Jenkins.
Bus driver shortages impact you and your child because it can mean waiting longer for a bus to show up in the morning or afternoon.
“If we don’t have enough, we have to double routes, and that makes the parents late,” said Jenkins. “It can be hard on our morale, because we have to double up on routes, and everybody wants to be on time.”
Substitute bus drivers can help fill the voids when someone calls in sick; however, that also slows things down because they’re not familiar with the routes.
Plus, a regular bus driver can provide a good role model for children.
“You do have some children that look up to you, so it’s a role that we can play in these children’s lives,” said Williams.
Williams said people should not be scared of driving a bus.
“It’s just like driving a car, you’re just higher up, and you can see more,” said Williams. “I love it.”
IPS bus drivers start at $14.49 per hour with benefits and are required to obtain a CDL permit.
Other requirements:
- Must hold a valid driver's license
- Must be 21 years of age
- Must pass a criminal history and driving record check
- Must pass four written tests
- Required to work AM and PM shifts
- Must have reliable transportation
- Training program will consist of 40 hours special needs classroom training
- Includes 90 hours of classroom and behind the wheel training
- Call 317-226-4090
