EAST RAMAPO, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A nationwide school bus driver shortage is prompting calls for the National Guard to take the wheel in New York.
School districts across New York state, including Rockland County's East Ramapo where students have been left stranded by no-show buses, are struggling to find enough drivers to cover their routes.
Rockland County Assemblyman Michael Lawler wants to activate the National Guard to get behind the wheel and help get children to and from school.
"It is a crisis and it's something that requires immediate action," Lawler said. "Massachusetts has taken steps to address it by activating their National Guard and New York needs to follow suit. It's a short-term measure, but it's one that will provide direct relief to parents and school districts all across the state."
So far, the governor is not in favor of calling in the National Guard.
Lawler also wants unemployed drivers referred to districts and an expedited training and licensing process.
The school bus driver shortage started in recent years and was exacerbated by the pandemic shutdown.
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