PCCS : Important Information From Durham Transportation Regarding Driver Shortage, Temporary Suspension Of Routes

Press release from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools:

09/04/2021 2:38 PM

Dear P-CCS Students & Families,

As we look forward to welcoming all of our students back next week, we want to make certain that the community is aware of the nationwide school bus driver shortages and the potential impact on our district’s families that utilize school bus transportation services. School districts throughout the country are witnessing a school bus driver shortage. At Durham Transportation, we are doing everything we can to recruit, hire, and retain quality bus drivers, and we encourage anyone who might be interested to apply HERE. Safely transporting children to and from school is a rewarding experience and a great way to become actively involved in the community.

Currently the following bus routes do not have a designated bus driver and will need to be suspended temporarily until a driver is hired and credentialed for operating a school bus. We anticipate that all of these positions will be filled within the first month of the school year.

• Route 06 Bus 21G

• Route 10 Bus 13

To attract credentialed bus drivers, Durham School Services is offering a $1,000 signing bonus for bus drivers who possess a CDL license; $500 is being offered for those with no credentials. There are also referral bonuses available up to $1,000 to refer quality candidates. Pay rates start at $20 an hour including health benefits, a 401k with company match. There are also paid holidays, paid sick time, no nights, weekends, or holidays are worked, and summers off if preferred.

Recruiting events and job fairs have provided some success; however, the driver shortage remains. Currently, the District is operating with 93 bus drivers; but 105 drivers are ideal and necessary to accommodate all current routes. To help accommodate as many families as possible, we have gotten creative in combining bus routes where possible. In addition, adjustments continue to be made to avoid overcrowded buses. In an effort to ensure bus occupancy efficiency, we kindly ask if your child will not be using bus transportation, that you let us know.

Please be kind and show appreciation for Durham’s existing bus drivers. Bus drivers are not at fault for the nationwide driver shortage. Drivers are part of the solution. Also, please be kind and show appreciation for P-CCS staff who have worked all summer tirelessly to ensure a successful school start-up. They care very much about the safety of your child. Please refrain from calling the Durham Transportation office during route times if your question can be handled at a different time. There will be limited office staff during route times as most staff will be driving.

Your patience is greatly appreciated as Durham School Services and Plymouth-Canton Community Schools partner together to meet the transportation needs of our families. We will do everything in our power to ensure that every bus run is completed, even though it may mean that some buses will be delayed at times.  We appreciate your continued support.

This press release was produced by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.