Portland Public Schools Bus Driver Shortage Forces Route Changes

PORTLAND – Like kids? Want to drive a bus?

Portland Public Schools is looking for school bus drivers. The district is looking for people, even offering signing bonuses of between $2,500 and $6,500 if they're hired. The job pays between $22 and $27.95 a hour.

The driver shortage is so bad that the district is making changes to dozens of routes, forcing parents to make alternate plans.

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The district reduced the number of big bus routes to 101 from 140. They are even providing financial assistance to some families affected by the changes.

"We recognize this might become an additional burden on the students, families and communities at these school communities," the district said in a letter to families.

Benson High School and Lincoln High School were the schools most affected. Benson had five bus routes canceled while Lincoln had eight.

Nearly a dozen other schools have drop off times changed as a result of the shortage.

The district says that you can do here to apply for a job if you're interested.