The process to secure all of the necessary requirements could take a handful of weeks the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission says there are no noticeable delays on their end. "We're definitely looking to fill some voids," said Eric Raphael, president of Irvin Raphael Inc., a school bus contractor based out of East Brunswick.īeyond a CDL license, applicants must secure certain endorsements in order to carry students to and from school. Those interested in the opportunity can look here for local bus companies. The NJSBCA has launched a statewide campaign to get more individuals behind the wheel of a school bus. The district's school schedules are going back to normal. In addition, ahead of this year, the district teamed up with a local bus service to pick up some routes. Those who complete 175 full days will get a $750 bonus. This year, $1,500 will go out to any driver who completes 180 full work days. we just barely limped through the year with those new people we were able to pick up," Randazzo said. In addition, the district increased starting pay for the position, and offered a bonus to people who stayed on the job. Last year, the district had to adjust school start and end times to make do with their roster of drivers. "A lot of schools are competing for the same seemingly limited pool of candidates," Sal Randazzo, coordinator of communications for the Deptford Township School District, told New Jersey 101.5. Now, getting new, qualified drivers into the industry continues to be a struggle, as is the case with most jobs that require a commercial drivers' license. Phil Murphy recently dismissed - for now - the idea of bringing in the National Guard to lessen the burden on districts, like what's being done in Massachusetts.Many bus drivers decided the COVID shutdown was a good time to retire, the association said. According to, a shortage has forced the K-12 district in Wayne to merge some of its routes and consolidate bus stops. They're also cancelling trips for athletics and other co-curricular activities after school because they can't get drivers."Ĭamden schools recently moved to pay family members $1,000 if they transport their children to and from school each day during the 2021-2022 academic year. "Routes are extended, bus stops are pulled together. "Unquestionably it's more difficult this year," Bozza said. The association is in talks with New Jersey officials about how to reduce the driver shortage. The coronavirus pandemic made matters worse when kids were forced to learn remotely and transportation wasn't needed for months.Īccording to Richard Bozza, executive director of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, there are approximately 7,000 licensed bus drivers currently receiving unemployment benefits in the Garden State. Industry professionals for a while now have been voicing concerns about a more rigorous testing and licensing process that could be keeping candidates away. There may just be other jobs out there that people would prefer to do."ĭistricts and bus companies are finding it even harder in 2021 to find qualified drivers for routes to and from schools. "I don't know necessarily that money is the issue. "Before the pandemic, it was already sort of going this way," Randazzo said. Randazzo said the district is willing to wait for non-CDL-licensed drivers to go through the process and obtain the necessary endorsements to become a school bus driver, but the district would prefer to get applications from people who are able to jump behind the wheel immediately.
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