Bus Driver Shortage Forces GoPasco, Pasco Schools To Make Changes

PASCO COUNTY, FL — A severe shortage of bus drivers is forcing GoPasco County Public Transportation to modify and cut bus service on four routes starting Monday.

However, the news isn't all bad. While service will be temporarily suspended on some routes, nearly all corridors will still have service via other routes, GoPasco Director Kurt Scheible said.

Both public bus services and school districts are scrambling to hire bus drivers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and the latest surge in positivity rates due to the introduction of the new omicron variant.

In addition to have drivers off work recovering from the virus or isolating due to exposure to the virus, many bus drivers have opted to seek other careers that reduce their exposure to the virus.

The shortage has become so severe that, in November, the Pasco County School Board unanimously voted to alter the school district's bell schedule because the driver shortage was resulting in many students arriving to school late and missing classes.

For some students returning to school after winter break on Tuesday, the new bell schedule means they'll arrive at school more than an hour and a half earlier or later than usual — as early as 7:10 a.m. and as late as 10:10 a.m., with students ending their school day at 4:20 p.m.

"We cannot continue to have a large group of students who are chronically late arriving at school through no fault of their own," said Pasco County School Superintendent Kurt Browning. "This challenge is not unique to Pasco, but it is up to us to solve it. We have a responsibility as a school community to do everything we can to provide all students with the opportunity to learn and that includes having a consistent and predictable start and end to their school day."

He said the district has a shortage of about 100 drivers every day, including backup drivers.

The bus driver shortage has been equally difficult on residents who depend on public bus service to get to and from work.

GoPasco said the number of bus drivers it needs for all current routes is down about 25 percent. The county operates 40 fixed-route buses and 20 para transit vehicles for residents who are elderly or have mobility issues.

Scheible said the temporary route changes will allow the county buses to keep running by making minor adjustments.

Route 21 will now service Bayonet Point to Emerald Beach only. Its State Road 52 and Ridge Road route will be serviced by Route 16.

Route 21 service on Little Road will be served by Route 23. Route 21 and 23 service at the Gulf View Square Mall will also be taken off Route 21 and added to other routes.

Route 23 service on Embassy Road will be suspended, with no service for the time being. However, Scheible said this route has few passengers and GoPasco has assured them that the county will provide alternate transportation.

For more information on the modified schedule, click here. For a complete list of GoPasco routes and schedules, click here.

At the same time, GoPasco is actively seeking drivers to hire.

No college degree or prior experience is needed. GoPasco provides the training, so bus drivers can obtain their commercial licenses in as little as eight weeks.

In Florida, the average salary for an entry-level public transit operator is $33,000. Individual salaries vary based on experience and location.

As a city or county employee, benefits vary but generally include a competitive health care and retirement plan. For information about Pasco County benefits, click here.

Anyone interested in pursuing a career as a bus driver with Pasco County is encouraged to learn more and apply here.