Pennsylvania recruiting new school bus drivers amid shortage

Over 1.5 million Pennsylvania students rely on bus drivers to get to and from school, sporting events and other activities — but the industry is struggling to overcome a driver shortage.

The Pennsylvania School Bus Association (PSBA) — which consists of over 300 school bus contractors and industry partners — is launching a statewide campaign to raise awareness about the driver shortage and recruit new bus drivers.

Though PSBA was unable to provide an exact number on the driver shortage, PSBA Executive Director Ryan Dellinger said that they need need more than 1,000 new drivers to be fully staffed for school in the fall. They may need thousands of drivers, he said, based on a survey of their membership.

“Without enough drivers, we may run into situations where kids do not have a reliable way to get to school, and that is the last thing we want,” Dellinger said. “School buses are by far the safest way for kids to get to and from school, and a friendly school bus driver can truly set the tone for the rest of that child’s school day.”

The initiative includes resources that can be used to recruit new bus drivers, who will be needed to transport students safely throughout the upcoming school year.

Across the commonwealth, 88% of students from kindergarten through 12th grade from urban, rural and suburban communities begin and end their days with a ride on the school bus.

“Our school bus drivers are trained professionals who love what they do and provide an essential service to our communities,” Denille Girardat Myers, PSBA president, said.

The focal point of the campaign, called You Behind the Wheel, is a website called YouBehindTheWheel.com. The site features a job portal that can connect individuals interested in becoming bus drivers with job openings in their communities.

Potential bus drivers can also find information on free training, driver incentives and how to become a bus driver in Pennsylvania on the website.

“We’re proud that during the pandemic school bus drivers remained on the job, dealing with various types of schedules and working as full partners with our school districts,” said Aaron Sepkowski, PSBA’s second vice president and membership committee chair. “Our members are working hard to ensure the bus driver seat will be filled as we plan for a full schedule of school and activities this fall.”