Alberta school bus companies face driver shortage, need help with driver retention
Global News
School bus companies across Alberta are looking for solutions and help for what they describe as a crisis in their industry.
School bus companies across Alberta gathered Thursday night at the Chateau Nova Yellowhead Hotel in Edmonton with the goal of addressing what they describe as a crisis in their industry.
The Alberta Student Transportation Advisory Council hosted a town hall where drivers, parents and government officials convened to discuss driver shortages and an increase in costs for insurance and vehicle maintenance.
“Lots of shortages of drivers around the province and kids not getting that school bus everyday on time and sometimes not at all,” said Mark Critch, president of the Alberta Student Bus Contractors’ Association.
Drivers pitched for increased wages, provincial funding and benefits to support members.
“We know we need to pay drivers better. We need to look at things like benefits or other opportunities to show drivers that we value the importance of the job,” Critch added.
Les Cross, president of Pacific Western Transportation School Division, said as the cost of living continues to rise, he understands why drivers are leaving the industry.
“It’s a tough time for people. You know, groceries are costing more. Rent is costing more. Mortgages are more,” he explained.
The drivers remaining left on his team are now running late on some routes because they’re doubling up.
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