PVUSD’s ongoing battle with a bus driver shortage brings concern to parents
jose.romo
WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — A school bus driver shortage is impacting students getting to class on time. The Pajaro Valley Unified School District continues searching for qualified drivers.
Parents are concerned, saying they receive alerts that routes will be canceled.
“This community is a, you know, a farm working community, so our parents are leaving home early, so I mean our transportation to the school is the bus.” Luis Abrica lives in Las Lomas and recalls having to wait for the bus as a student. Now, he lives just down the street from a school bus stop and says he knows the struggle parents face having to balance early work times and school schedules.
With many bus drivers having to double up on routes, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District is facing an ongoing bus driver shortage.
The district says they are currently operating 84 routes despite being 19 drivers short. They add many mechanics, and office staff are having to step in to help with some drivers having to work 12-hour shifts.
“We choose this method because sometimes we don’t have the time, because sometimes work and everything else gets in the way, so sometimes we don’t have the time. That’s why we choose this method so that (our children) can go to school or home.” Maricela Canseco says it’s difficult for her to drop her children off at school, having to work early in the morning. She says she relies on the bus system to safely take her kids to and from school.
The PVUSD website says they are committed to providing a safe way for students to get to school. Yet, due to this bus-driver shortage, they must prioritize routes required by state and federal law, like those of special-need children. Parents, however, still feel uncertainty in their morning commutes.
“De repente o manda el mensaje que al teléfono que no hay parada,” María Cervantes shares that in prior years, she has received notifications that the routes her children take have been impacted. Both she and her husband work long hours. For Luis, this turns into a safety concern.
“Now you see the kids going up the hill. They get in the street. This side of Las Lomas doesn’t have sidewalks. So you see them on the street, you know? So it is dangerous,” he says.
The district requires potential applicants to have 34 to 45 hours of classroom training, 40 to 45 hours behind the wheel, and 10 hours of in-service instruction.
Potential drivers must have a clean driving record and no criminal history. The district adds that they will host upcoming dates for those interested. They provide a 4-week course for those looking to become school bus drivers.