LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools still doesn't have enough bus drivers to restore routes that were cut this school year.

The district said TARC drivers are continuing to test and get certifications to drive the school buses.

Drivers who already have their certification have been filling in when JCPS drivers call out sick. 

Last month, JCPS said it still needs six more bus drivers to resume routes for select schools, including Male, Manual and Butler high schools, and Johnson Traditional, Coleridge Taylor and Young elementary schools. But the district isn't releasing how many drivers it's short right now.

To address the shortage, JCPS worked out a deal with the city's public transportation agency, allowing 70 drivers at risk of being laid off to transition to driving for the district. However, TARC drivers require an additional certification specific to school buses in Kentucky. That includes a written exam on topics not covered by a Commercial Driver's License.

The transition process has been slower than expected. JCPS initially projected needing 68 certified TARC drivers to restore routes, but even after reaching that benchmark, the district needed several more weeks to survey families about their transportation needs. Superintendent Marty Pollio said the earliest routes could resume is early 2025.

In April, the Jefferson County Board of Education voted to cut transportation to all magnet and traditional schools for the 2024-25 school year, with the exception of Central and Western high schools, which both have a 75% threshold of students on free or reduced lunch. 

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