How the Bus Driver Shortage is Affecting Treasure Valley Kids and Parents

Credit: Canva

Staffing shortages have been a problem as the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve seen sharp increases in starting wages at fast food restaurants and other entry level positions, but one area that is really grasping for workers is the school bus industry.

One example of this is the Brown Bus Company based out of Nampa. With school about to start they are still short 40 bus drivers at their Nampa office and 20 bus drivers short at their Vallivue office. The company says they have made numerous attempts to find workers, including billboards, posting hiring signs in front of schools, posting wanted ads on websites and job boards with not enough success. Brown Bus Company is currently offering a $1500 signing bonus and increased pay from $14.25 an hour to $16.50 an hour.

If they can’t find enough bus drivers, schools will have to reshuffle bus routes to help minimize the effect. Field trips and activity buses are sure to take a hit as well.

According to an article on KTVB, the Brown Bus Company busses more than 12,000 students a day.

The bus driver shortage is a nationwide problem. A school in Nevada is handing out $2000 bonuses and a school in Delaware is actually offering parents $700 in cash if they are willing to take their kids to school and pick them up throughout the year.

To apply for a job with the Brown Bus Company click the link below.