Halton Region anticipates school bus driver shortage

Halton Region is anticipating a shortage of school bus drivers once again this September.

According to Halton Student Transportation Services about 20 per cent of the routes do not have drivers at this point which could mean delays in both Burlington and Oakville.

General manager Karen Lacroix says ideally, for the service to run smoothly, another 40 drivers are needed, but even that number could change.

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“What’s unknown at this time is how many drivers may possibly resign towards the end of next week due to alternate employment, opportunities or just deciding this isn’t the job for them anymore,” she said.

Lacroix notes that supply drivers have yet to be assigned, which also stands to change the scope of the problem.

Parents are being encouraged to sign up for delay and cancellation notifications on the HSTS website before the school year starts on Sept. 5.

HSTS says recruitment efforts are underway, adding that anyone interested in becoming a bus driver should contact First Student Canada or Attridge Transportation Inc.