As we headed into 2026, many school transportation operations nationwide continue to battle persistent staffing shortages of bus drivers, aides and mechanics, disrupting routes and student rides. Some school transportation teams are getting the work done. Others are experiencing tightening budgets, leading to route reductions, cancellations and school closures. States like Maine, Missouri and Vermont experienced particularly acute shortages, contributing to route cancellations and heightened chronic absenteeism.

At the recent TSD Conference in Frisco, Texas, attendees told me they have seen improvements in hiring staff but underscored the need for robust retention strategies centered on competitive pay, positive culture, teamwork and professional development, including attending industry events.

The national school bus driver shortage showed improvement in 2025, with employment rising by about 2,300 jobs, or 1.1 percent from the previous year, according to recent data from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). The increase appears to be driven by rising wages that have seen the median hourly wage grow by an inflation-adjusted 4.2 percent over the past year, the best since the pandemic. The median hourly wage for school bus drivers nationwide reached $22.45 in August.

However, the sector still had 21,200 fewer drivers—a 9.5 percent decline compared with August 2019. Private school bus contractors saw the sharpest drops, while public sector hiring edged up. The EPI data noted that the end of pandemic relief funds and the attacks on public education by the current presidential administration threaten to reverse this progress.

According to the 2025 State of School Transportation Report by the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, in partnership with HopSkipDrive, 81 percent of respondents said school bus driver shortages are a problem in their school district, including 46 percent calling it a major problem. Additionally, 26 percent of respondents reported their school district has addressed these shortages by cutting or shortening bus routes, and 73 percent reported transportation budget shortages have affected their transportation operations.

Competitive compensation remains the cornerstone of retention. Pasco County Schools in Florida introduced monetary bonuses, including $250 for covering challenging routes, alongside recruitment fairs. Try recognition programs, such as the “Driver of the Month” award or periodic retention bonuses, to show appreciation. Consider longevity bonuses, perfect attendance awards and health insurance to compete with higher-paying competitors. Building a supportive workplace culture boosts morale and loyalty.

Districts like Klein ISD in Texas, a previous Top Transportation Teams winner at STN EXPO West, proactively makes staff feel valued through supportive environments and competitive pay. These have helped avoid shortages altogether. John Fergerson, the transportation director, conducts regular feedback sessions to address concerns promptly. He fosters a positive culture and turns employees into recruiters, as engaged staff recommend the job to others.

Teamwork enhances retention by creating a sense of belonging. Cross- training aides or involving mechanics in facility planning builds collaboration. Team events and inclusive initiatives reinforce that akk staff are vital to student success. Districts adopting flexible scheduling or job-sharing options accommodate personal needs, particularly for part-time workers.

Investing in training demonstrates a commitment to growth. Professional development in defensive driving, student behavior management and emerging technologies equips staff for long-term careers. Conferences play a key role as well. Consider STN EXPO West, held July 9-15, 2026, in Reno, Nevada. It will feature specialized training, leadership sessions, technology demonstrations and networking. STN EXPO East occurring March 26-31, 2026, near Charlotte, North Carolina, offers similar opportunities.

The TSD Conference held Nov. 4-10, 2026, in Frisco, Texas, offers training on securement, compliance, evacuations and more. Registering your staff to attend signals an investment in improving their skills that also affects their retention.

Successful districts combine these approaches. Some use routing software for efficiency, easing workloads. Others offer career pathways, like certifications for advancement. Teri Mapengo, transportation director from Prosper ISD in Texas, noted that aggressive recruiting paired with supportive cultures and pay helped operations build stable teams. The district was also awarded a Top Transportation Teams Award last summer.

In 2026, retaining school transportation staff requires intentional, multifaceted efforts. Prioritize strong pay, culture, teamwork and training to stabilize operations, ensure reliable service, and support educational equity.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the January 2026 issue of School Transportation News.

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Facing an ongoing shortage of school bus drivers, Pasco County Schools in Florida is launching a new incentive program aimed at keeping routes covered and getting students to school on time, reported Bay News.

According to the news report, district officials say 49 of the county’s 297 school bus routes currently lack permanent drivers, resulting in some students arriving late to class. To help solve the issue, the district has approved quarterly bonuses designed to boost recruitment and retain current staff.

Beginning this quarter, drivers with strong attendance will receive a $500 bonus. Those who volunteer for designated high-need routes, often in more remote areas, will earn an additional $250 per quarter.

“Our goal is to ensure that every student gets to school on time so that learning can occur,” said Superintendent John Legg.

For veteran driver Lynn Zion-Weick, who came out of retirement four years ago after seeing an ad for the job, said the work is both meaningful and manageable.

“I’m pretty good with kids and I decided to give it a shot,” she said, adding that today’s buses drive “just like a nice car,” helping ease concerns from new recruits.

While she admits learning the engine components was the toughest part of training, she said the role has only grown more rewarding, especially since she now drives children whose grandparents she once attended school with.

With the driver shortage still pressing, the district is ramping up its hiring efforts. Pasco County Schools will host a school bus driver recruitment event on Dec. 11 and is hopeful  the new bonuses will bring more applicants behind the wheel.

Related: New Incentives in Place to Keep Illinois School Bus Drivers Working During Holidays
Related: Dauphin County School District Considers Paying Parents Amid Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities
Related: Arizona School District Increases Bus Driver Pay to Help with Shortage

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As school districts across the country continue to grapple with a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers, Burlington, Vermont, is stepping up its efforts to ensure students get to and from school safely and on time, reported NBC 5.

According to the news report, Burlington School District announced a series of new initiatives aimed at recruiting and retaining bus drivers, including paid CDL training, increased wages and expanded benefits. The district has lost three drivers over the past year and, like many others nationwide, has struggled to fill the vacancies.

“We know that one of the biggest barriers to becoming a bus driver is the cost of getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL),” said Michelle Meola, director of human resources for the district. “That process can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and that’s a significant burden for many people.”

Starting wages have jumped from just under $18 an hour to $30 an hour, following recent union negotiations aimed at making the job more competitive in today’s labor market.

“In order to give a significant increase, we had to go through negotiations because we are under a union contract,” Meola explained . “But even before those talks began, we came to the table ready to invest in this position.”

Beyond better pay and training, the district is also reportedly working to make the role more sustainable by creating additional job opportunities for drivers within the school system. These could include roles in property services or other support functions, allowing drivers to become full-time employees and qualify for full-time benefits.

“We’re excited about this direction,” Meola told local news reporters. “It allows us to impact people’s lives by offering more stability, and it helps our district run more smoothly by keeping experienced, dedicated staff on board.”

Currently, the Burlington School District is looking to hire at least four new drivers. Officials are reportedly encouraging anyone interested to apply through the district’s website.

“This is more than just a job,” Meola added. “It’s an opportunity to be part of the community and make a real difference in the lives of students and families every day.”

Related: Dauphin County School District Considers Paying Parents Amid Bus Driver Shortage
Related: Arizona School District Increases Bus Driver Pay to Help with Shortage
Related: Turning School Bus Driver Shortages Into Opportunities
Related: School Bus Driver Shortage Impacts Florida Districts

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A central Pennsylvania school district is considering a transportation stipend for families as it continues to grapple with a shortage of school bus drivers, reported WGAL News.

According to the news report, the Susquehanna Township School District may offer up to $1,000 per year to parents who transport their children to and from school. Under the proposed plan, families would receive $50 per student per month, with a cap of $100 per household.

The move reportedly mirrors similar efforts in districts like Philadelphia, where parental stipends have been used to ease transportation challenges.

The district stated the goal is to reduce the number of students requiring school bus service, thereby decreasing the number of buses needed each day. The proposal reportedly comes as the district canceled classes Monday for two elementary schools due to a lack of available drivers. District officials emphasized that participation in the stipend program would be voluntary. No final decision has been made.

Related: Arizona School District Increases Bus Driver Pay to Help with Shortage
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Warren City Schools in Ohio kicked off the new academic year with a spirited community celebration at Courthouse Square. While the atmosphere was upbeat, school officials took the opportunity to address a pressing challenge facing the district; a shortage of school bus drivers, reported WKBN 27.

“Our goal is to have a lot of positive energy and to kick school off in a very positive light,” said Superintendent Steve Chiaro via the article, who praised the strong turnout and community support.

But behind the celebration lies a logistical concern. John Lacy, executive director of business operations for Warren City Schools, stated the district is “barely covering routes” and urgently needs more drivers to avoid double routes and delays.

To attract applicants, the district showcased a school bus during the event and shared details about the position. Bus drivers in Warren earn approximately $24 an hour, receive full benefits, and work year-round, not just during the school year. The district also fully covers the cost of CDL training for new drivers.

“We’re doing everything we can to recruit,” said Lacy via the article. “People are often surprised at how good the pay and benefits are.”

The district said it remains hopeful that community outreach and incentives will help ease the shortage. In the meantime, Superintendent Chiaro reportedly emphasized the importance of community involvement in supporting student success.

“Because we can’t do it alone,” Chiaro said. “We need every aspect of assistance in helping our kids along the way.”

Related: Ohio-Based Training Program Equips School Bus Drivers to Handle Active Threats
Related: Indiana School District Hosts “Hop on and Hire” Bus Driver Career Day Amid Shortages
Related: Ohio School Bus Drivers Attend Life-Saving Emergency Training
Related: Arizona School District Increases Bus Driver Pay to Help with Shortage

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