School bus driver shortages continue as longtime drivers cite job’s rewards

School districts in New York and across the country continue to deal with shortages of school bus drivers as the new school year approaches. The work can include transporting more than 40 children, and drivers are responsible for getting students to school safely and supporting them during the ride.

The source material says longtime drivers have cited the relationships they build with students as one of the job’s rewards. It also identifies limited hours, compensation concerns, difficult training and inconsistent access to mechanics as challenges. Reported starting pay is around $30 an hour with health care benefits, while one longtime driver said her pay is closer to $40 an hour.