Bus Driver Shortage in Prince George's County; 200 Drivers Needed

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD — With a little over a month until school starts, Prince George’s County Public Schools faces quite the challenge: a bus driver shortage.

Rudy Saunders, director of transportation for the county’s public school system, said the district needs to hire at least 200 drivers to make up for the shortage.

The county faced a bus driver shortage back in 2019, but the coronavirus pandemic has only made it worse. Several school systems in Maryland are currently experiencing a shortage of drivers like Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County and Carroll County.

Saunders said hiring more bus drivers is crucially important to the school system and members of the community.

“This is probably the most significant job in the school system because teachers do great lessons and you know principals put together great schools, but if we don’t get them there, no one will know,” Saunders told WTOP.

The Prince George’s County Public School system is looking for new drivers as the county plans its return to full-time in-person learning for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Saunders said health and safety precautions will be in place on school buses this fall. Students will be required to wear masks and follow strict sanitation procedures.

The school system is hosting a virtual hiring event on July 28 for those interested in becoming a school bus driver. If you would like to attend, fill out the pre-registration form.

The pay range for a Prince George’s County school bus driver is $19-38 an hour, according to WTOP. Drivers must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and three years of driving experience to apply.

For more information on applying for a bus driver position, visit the school system’s careers and opportunities webpage.