Yuma schools are still searching for bus drivers

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) School bus drivers are still in great demand throughout Yuma county.

And with more students heading back to school things could get worse.

New year, new semester but unfortunately the same struggle for Yuma schools with not enough bus drivers.

“The timeliness of our buses you know getting to school and getting students home so there’s quite of an impact on our students and community when we’re short drivers like this,” said Ron Schepers the Director of Transportation. 

COVID protocols mean fewer students in a bus at the same time, adding extra trips and increasing wait times.

“We do what’s called a double loading route where we will pick up a round of one group of students take them to school, go back out and pick up another group with the same bus that we don’t normally do,” said Schepers.

And with more students heading back to in-person learning this semester things might get worse.

“We have been seeing an increase with number of students who are riding the bus that will cause at some point for us to add routes on, that at this point we don’t have drivers for,” said Schepers.

That's why the Director of Transportation Ron Schepers wants you to know if you're looking for a job look no further.

“Driving a school bus is a fantastic opportunity for people and we do want to support our communities and our students so they can get to school, they can have their education, and they can go to those activities they need,” said Schepers.

Yuma Schools Transportation is looking to fill up to 30 more positions. You must be at least 21-years-old to apply.

If you would like to apply to become a school bus driver click the link here or visit Yuma Elementary School District One website.