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From Chicago to Metropolis, a shortage of drivers is forcing
school districts and parents to make alternative plans.
Carbondale-based Robinson Transport, a busing company which
serves several downstate communities, is in need of more
drivers.
In some school districts, alternative transportation options are
provided, or even parents are being reimbursed for driving their
kids to class, like in DeKalb.
Chicago schools are offering families a monthly stipend to cover
transportation costs.
"This year, I myself have already received an email giving me
the offer to easily waive away my rights to transportation and
accept $500 a month, but last year, the checks, the way that
families actually received their money, it was delayed,” said
Chicago mother and special education advocate Christine Palmieri
to Fox News.
Palmieri said CPS has even provided Chicago Transit Authority
cards, but added children who share similar struggles as her son
would be unable to get around on public transportation.
To attract drivers, some districts are upping the ante at
taxpayer expense. In Peoria, the starting pay is now $20 an hour
with a sign on bonus of $1,000. In Rockford, they are offering
$3,000 signing bonuses and weekly attendance incentives.
The bus driver shortage is being felt nationwide. According to a
report by the group Hop Skip Drive, 88% of school districts say
the shortage has impacted their transportation operations.
As for another year for Chicago Public Schools to be short of
school bus drivers, Palmieri said it is unacceptable.
“We feel like they’ve had ample time to be able to resolve this
issue and to plan ahead, and that really didn’t happen,”
Palmieri said.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois
for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio
news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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