LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — After years of transportation challenges, Jefferson County Public Schools said it is heading into the new school year with its strongest bus driver numbers since before the pandemic.
District leaders told the school board Tuesday that JCPS has about 670 bus drivers on staff, with another 45 candidates in training. That puts the district on track to start the year with more than 700 drivers, a level it has not reached since before COVID-19 disrupted school transportation.
The increase comes after a major driver shortage created problems for families in recent years. On the first day of school in 2022, some students did not arrive home until 10 p.m. The shortage also led to students missing about 9 million minutes of classroom time that school year.
JCPS leaders said they are focused on making sure this year’s first day runs differently. The district plans to have a first-day team work directly with principals to quickly address any transportation issues.
Families will also have a new way to get help with transportation concerns this school year. JCPS said its 485-RIDE line will open at 10 a.m. on July 27, giving parents a direct resource for questions about bus stops and other transportation issues.
"Our leaders are aligned, our priorities clear and there’s a shared commitment to making sure every student is ready to welcome students on day one," JCPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood said. "I could not be more excited about the year ahead."
District officials said the additional drivers will help provide more reliable transportation as students return to class.
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