Hartford, Conn. WTIC Radio)-The Omicron surge, delays in driver testing and a prolonged period for background checks have contributed to the school bus driver shortage, according to a transportation official.
"The number of cases has certainly increased drastically, keeping drivers out. They're waiting for test availability and the results to come back. That is contributing to major absences. We're still seeing applications coming in so it's encouraging at that end," said Jon Hipsher, Vice President of the Connecticut School Transportation Association.
"I have a feeling that staffing issues with the state is also affecting bus drivers to get tested. We're seeing the (driver)tests getting pushed back, once they get their clearance letter to be tested. It's now taking weeks rather than a week or two to take the test", he said.
Hipsher said with all the obstacles it still takes as much as eight weeks to get a driver on board.