The General Manager of Huron Perth Transportation Services said changes are coming next week to address its shortage of school bus drivers.
“We’ve had some things in the works for a few weeks now. None of these things can happen overnight. They do take time to work through, find solutions. So we do have some things that will be happening that will be effective when we return to school on Monday,” said Janice White.
She added, “we have some more longer-term things that we’re looking at. I can’t give specifics because they will be significant changes."
White also said the problem has been building for some time. Money is only part of the challenge.
“It’s not a job for everyone. It’s a split shift. You go to work in the morning. You go home. Then, you come back in the afternoon. Not everyone wants to do that. Most people that are in the employment range want full-time work,” she pointed out.
White added, as a parent herself, she understands the frustration.
The service is looking for drivers, and White said anyone interested in driving a school bus could contact a current driver or go to the website ourschoolbuses.ca.