PLYMOUTH, Mich. (WWJ) -- The nationwide shortage of bus drivers is impacting another metro Detroit school district ahead of the start of the new school year on Tuesday, as the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools District announced it is suspending some bus routes.
In a message to parents in the school district, officials with Durham Transportation -- the company that runs Plymouth-Canton's bus service -- say at least nine bus routes won't have drivers to start the new school year.
"At Durham Transportation, we are doing everything we can to recruit, hire, and retain quality bus drivers, and we encourage anyone who might be interested to apply," the message said. "Safely transporting children to and from school is a rewarding experience and a great way to become actively involved in the community."
A list of bus routes that will be temporarily suspended because they do not have designated bus drivers can be found on the PCCS website.
The school district includes more than 20 schools, including three public high schools, six middle schools and more than a dozen elementary schools.
Durham Transportation says it hopes to have all of the open positions filled within the first month of the school year. The company is offering a $1,000 signing bonus for drivers with a CDL license, and $500 to those with no credentials. Referral bonuses of up to $1,000 are available for those who refer quality candidates. Pay rates start at $20 an hour, including health benefits.
Plymouth-Canton is at least the third school district in the metro Detroit area to announce changes to bus services as the new school year gets underway in the midst of the driver shortage.
Grosse Ile Township Schools announced a change in services last week, soon followed by Melvindale-Northern Allen Park, which will only offer transportation for out-of-district ESE (formerly special education) students and career technical students.
Durham transportation says the Plymouth-Canton district is operating with 93 drivers -- 12 fewer than what is "ideal and necessary to accommodate all current routes."
"To help accommodate as many families as possible, we have gotten creative in combining bus routes where possible. In addition, adjustments continue to be made to avoid overcrowded buses. In an effort to ensure bus occupancy efficiency, we kindly ask if your child will not be using bus transportation, that you let us know," Durham said.
