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Transportation report shows persistent late elementary runs; district works toward in-house bussing
Summary
A December–January report from the district’s transportation vendor showed consistent driver shortages and high rates of elementary-school late arrivals in the afternoon. District staff said they are preparing to launch in-house bussing for next school year and continuing route and bid work.
The School Committee received a transportation performance update Wednesday covering December 12–January 14, showing ongoing staffing shortages and elevated rates of buses arriving late to elementary schools in the afternoon.
The district's large-bus contractor reported an average of 53 drivers available daily during the reporting period — 24 fewer than the contract calls for — and monitor staffing at or near expected levels. The report showed the morning tier generally met schedules but afternoon runs were the biggest problem: the packet notes 440 late elementary runs of 1,279 total elementary runs (about 34.4%) arriving after the final bell on some days.
Nut graf: District staff said long routes, traffic, weather and limited driver supply contribute to afternoon delays. The district reiterated plans to pursue in-house bussing next year (leasing buses, hiring drivers/monitors and adding support staff) while continuing short-term work with the contractor to improve on-time performance.
Transportation staff and executive leadership described continuing route optimizations and three priorities: boost recruitment and retention of drivers, continue operational oversight with the contractor, and prepare a phased startup for district-run buses in 2025–26. Committee members asked technical questions about routing, doubled-up runs, and how middle-school timing cascades to elementary tiers.
Ending: Administration said it will continue to solicit bids for future transport contracts, post positions for in-house bussing when ready and provide updated monthly performance reports to the committee.
