Shortage of bus drivers is a concern
By Paul Hall on Friday, July 30th, 2021 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – With schools in Union County nearing another school year, transportation may be a concern for students who ride the bus. Mid-Columbia Bus Company which serves the La Grande, Union, Cove, and North Powder Schools, are having a tough time in finding drivers. Even though bus routes have not been sketched out yet the bus company says they are advertising everywhere to have drivers in time for the upcoming school year.
According to Scott Carpenter, Assistant Superintendent of the La Grande School District said, some of the problems in finding enough drivers is the drug testing requirement. Many employers are experiencing the same obstacles even while offering well above the pay scale and incentives.
Mid-Columbia Bus Company is also offering bonuses to applicants. Around a quarter of the drivers end up quitting before the school year is over. Finding drivers has been an ongoing problem for several years not only in La Grande but around the region, according to Mid-Columbia Bus Company.
