SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Area school districts continue to face a persistent shortage of school bus drivers, forcing transportation departments to rely on mechanics, office staff, and double-run routes, which frequently leads to morning delays and stricter eligibility rules for student transportation.
The ongoing deficit is largely driven by unappealing split-shift schedules, competition with private logistics companies offering better hours or pay, and high attrition rates during the lengthy CDL licensing and onboarding process.
To attract candidates, local districts are offering paid CDL training, sign-on bonuses, and attendance incentives, though filling all open driver positions remains an ongoing challenge.
