This year STN honed in on several issues on the minds of student transporters as the school year resumed when developing the 2014 Transportation Directors/Supervisors Survey. Top of mind is the widely reported school bus driver shortage stretching from coast to coast. While it may not be new, this challenge is a pressing one because it often disrupts routes, results in overcrowding and causes bus delays.
We sent the survey to more than 7,000 transportation chiefs and received about 240 responses to questions on starting bus driver pay, salary increases and the stability of their driver pool, including substitute drivers. More than 40 percent of respondents said they are currently experiencing a bus driver shortage, and 53 took the time to answer the key question: Why? Several mentioned facing increased competition from transport industries now that the U.S. economy is rebounding, and others commented they do not have a large enough pool of applicants or enough substitute drivers to help cover routes. Many also pointed to low pay and lack of benefits as major deterrents in hiring good drivers and keeping them around.
In terms of recruitment, the vast majority advertise open positions on their school district website and in local media (70 percent each). Other popular methods are bus banners (26 percent), job fairs (22 percent) and employee incentives (i.e., cash bonuses) for finding successful driver candidates (17 percent).
Also covered in our 2014 survey are video surveillance, communications and seating systems, including seat belts — all components designed to increase safety and efficiency in any pupil transportation operation, large or
small, city or rural, in-house or contracted.
Last but certainly not least, respondents shared what types of additional training they provide to bus drivers and attendants on top of mandated training courses. The number- one response was emergency bus evacuation drills (94 percent), which may not be a surprise. The number-two response was a bit unexpected, though understandable in light of news reports: bullying prevention (78 percent). The next two — student safety (76 percent) and special needs student safety (62 percent) — attest to the top priority for student transportation administrators everywhere.
