First Student bus drivers like Marion Buckmon have been out on the road this week learning their new routes to get ready for the start of school next week. 

First Student has been actively recruiting new drivers throughout the summer in an effort to ease the driver shortage that has caused inconsistent and frustrating service for students and families since we returned from the pandemic two years ago. Buckmon, who will serve Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School students on route 162, is excited for her first year as a driver after working as a bus monitor last school year. 

While First Student has made some progress in expanding its roster of drivers, shortages remain for 2023-24 – as they do in a majority of school districts nationwide. A recent NBC News story about the bus driver shortage cited a national survey indicating that more than 90% of U.S. school districts say they don’t have enough drivers for the new school year.

First Student anticipates beginning the school year Sept. 7-8 with approximately 83 drivers to operate 77 routes. This marks significant progress from the 2021-22 school year, when there were fewer drivers than routes for much of the year. It also is progress from last school year, with several more drivers available to cover callouts and absences each day.

We experienced more consistency with First Student’s summer bus routes this year than a year ago, and our Transportation Department also has made adjustments for the upcoming school year aimed at shortening ride times.

Though we anticipate improvements to our First Student service in 2023-24, please be patient during the first weeks of school. Like your family, drivers and school staff also will be getting familiar with new routes and routines. Our Transportation staff also will be busy assigning newly registered students to bus routes, and adjusting routes based on ridership during the first two weeks of school.

Please watch for an updated mailing from Transportation during the week of Sept. 18 with revised bus schedules based on these additions and adjustments. 

Download the Ride 360 app

We urge parents and guardians to download our new Transversa Ride 360 bus-tracking app before school begins. Ride 360 will help you track your bus in real time in the morning and afternoon, helping you know when your bus is on schedule or if it’s delayed.

Great job opportunities with First Student

If you’d like a flexible job with great pay and sign-on bonuses, First Student leads the industry locally in those areas. Drivers start at $25 an hour, with sign-on bonuses of $5,000 for CDL-certified drivers and $4,000 plus paid training for new drivers.

Visit First Student’s website to learn more.