RPS says 'severe shortage' of bus drivers could lead to delays

Rochester Public Schools is warning that a shortfall of bus drivers could cause future disruptions to the district’s transportation services.

In an email addressed to families on Friday, the district said while no routes have been impacted yet, adjustments may be necessary in the near future.

“At this time, we can successfully operate all of our bus and van routes for our students,” the district wrote. “However, as Covid-19 continues to cause illness in our community, we face a severe shortage of drivers, and unlike earlier this year, we have utilized all of our substitute drivers.”

As a result of the driver shortage, the district said it may need to alter van and bus route times, adding that students could experience delays in getting on and off the bus. To avoid having students wait outside in frigid temperatures for extended periods of time, the district will use its Skylert message system to notify families of route delays or alterations.

In the meantime, to improve route efficiency, RPS is asking for families to inform the district if a student is assigned a route but not using it. Parents and caregivers can email or call the district: (507) 328-4260.

Nationwide, the shortage of drivers is causing major interruptions to school bus services, with some districts — including Minneapolis and St. Paul — scrapping after-school programming and asking parents to begin planning for alternative transportation options to get their kids to school.

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