Advertisement
HomeWire ReportsColorado School Bus Driver Shortage Increases Amid In-Person Classes

Colorado School Bus Driver Shortage Increases Amid In-Person Classes

If the school bus driver shortage was a problem before the pandemic in Colorado, it is at a critical level now, reported The Denver Post.

Albert Samora, executive director of transportation for Denver Public Schools, shared that the state of school busing in the worst shape he has ever seen in his 18-year career.

Not only are school budgets tighter than usual across the state but political views on masking and vaccine requirements have caused division. Districts are also facing attrition as current bus drivers are quitting and the pool of applicants for prospective drivers is smaller.

Aside from Denver, multiple other districts across Colorado are facing the same problems. Colorado Springs School District 11 and Douglas County School District are having the same driver shortage complications.

The Denver Post reported that Samora stated it is not a money issue but rather retiring drivers, some for medical reasons and others for personal or political reasons, like protesting masks or vaccination requirements.

Masks will be required on Denver Public School buses and on school grounds. However, drivers for Colorado Springs District will operate similarly, but masks will not be required in school buildings.


Related: School Principal Doubles as Bus Driver to Alleviate Budget, Driver Shortages
Related: Boston-Area School District Takes Busing In-House to Save Millions
Related: Grappling With Driver Shortages Continues Despite Funding Promises
Related: Address Driver Shortages by Reducing Routes with an Expert Assessment

June 2025

Going green is on the radar for many student transportation fleets, but choosing what fuel to use is not...

Buyer’s Guide 2025

Find the latest vehicle production data and budget reports, industry trends, and contact information for state, national and federal...

Poll

Does your school district transport students to and from charter and/or private schools?
74 votes
VoteResults