NY Association for Pupil Transportation reacts to proposed school bus shortage plan

NY Association for Pupil Transportation is reacting to a plan addressing the pandemic-related shortage of school bus and truck drivers. It would allow qualified third parties to offer road tests, creating more testing locations statewide.

Gov. Hochul proposed the idea Wednesday, as a way to get more school bus drivers licensed and on the road.

However, the plan still faces some hurdles before it goes into effect. The public is being asked to weigh in on it starting next week, then a hearing before state officials will be held. At a virtual meeting on Thursday, the New York Association for Pupil Transportation was already giving its support.

"From my perspective, if some of the bigger operators get involved in this and successfully put their people through the program and do the tests, it lightens the load for DMV and so the smaller operators can get appointments more promptly at the DMV," said NYAPT Executive Director David Christopher.

Legislators like Assemblyman John McDonald took part in the virtual meeting, which gave group members a chance to discuss their legislative priorities with the lawmakers.

Public comments are accepted beginning next week. Click here for more information.