Shortage of drivers, means combining routes
By Paul Hall on Monday, September 20th, 2021 in Featured Stories Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
UNION COUNTY – Mid-Columbia Bus Company which serves the La Grande, Union, Cove, and North Powder Schools, are still having a tough time in finding drivers. According to Mid-Columbia Bus Company in La Grande, “Most of the problem is, people don’t want to work right now and some feel it’s a difficult job to learn.” Also, a back ground check and drug testing is restricting some from completing the application process.
Currently, with the shortage of drivers, some of the routes have to be combined, making the buses extra full.
Mid-Columbia Bus Company is 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.
