Bus driver shortage reaches critical levels in area school districts

From Bethlehem to Shenendehowa, school districts across the Capital Region are facing a shortage of bus drivers. It has a direct impact on students.

Middle and high school students in the Ballston Spa School District are shifting to remote learning Friday because they don’t have enough drivers.

Shen and about a dozen other districts across the region held a "Drive a Bus" event Thursday, hoping to hire more drivers.

Belinda Gorvich with the New York Association for Pupil Transportation works with the Shen transportation department. They’re down about 30 drivers compared to 2020.

"I’ve been in the business for 18 years, and I have never in 18 years seen school doors close, and in-person class not be able to happen due to driver shortage," said Gorvich. "It has now become a crisis more than just a driver shortage, in my opinion."

People who are interested in becoming bus drivers will be assisted through the process, but both Gorvich and lawmakers recognize tackling the problem requires some major changes.

Learn about what some of those are by watching the video of Sam Hesler’s story.