Shortage of school bus drivers in the Quinte region having an impact

By Marissa Settatree

BELLEVILLE — With school back in session, the lack of bus drivers willing to drive is becoming an issue for getting students back to school across the Quinte region.

“Some drivers didn’t return to work,” said Gord Taylor, the chief executive officer of Tri-Board Transportation Services, which provides bus service for students in three local school boards.

 “Some drivers who might have been in a vulnerable population with maybe a lung or heart disease or someone at home with an auto-immune disorder have opted not to return to work this fall.” 

Because of the lack of bus drivers, some bus routes have been cancelled. This leaves students without a way to or from school.

Bus drivers do not need to take COVID-19 tests regularly. Each day they answer a list of screening questions and if they don’t pass, then they are required to get tested according to Taylor.

“We’re operating under the guidelines provided to us by Public Health and the province so we’re conforming to that.” Taylor said in regards to keeping the bus drivers safe. 

Tri-Board provides masks, protective gowns, and optional face shields to the drivers for their safety. Bus companies have also been given anti-viral treatments so the areas that encounter the most physical contact on the bus are treated twice a day. The loading handrail is wiped down after every student is dropped off at school and once all the students have been dropped off at the end of the day.  While the weather is still suitable, some of the windows are left open to allow for airflow throughout the bus. 

“All these measures are to protect students and drivers and monitors on the bus.” Taylor said. 

However, there are some things that bus drivers cannot control themselves. 

“Drivers do not enforce anything on the school bus.” Taylor Said. “If there’s a behaviour issue or an issue where a student is unable or unwilling to wear a mask, they will report it to the school and the school deals with that.” 

Hasting and Prince Edwards District School Board directed questions about what the loss of bus drivers meant for its students. It directed questions about the issue to Tri-Board. 

With regards to more drivers quitting, Taylor speculated that it will depend on if there’s local community spread of COVID-19 or if there is a second wave. 

“As long as there’s not community spread or spread in schools I think drivers like doing what they do and they will stay in the business.”