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Committee considers two school‑transportation bills; both held after testimony on driver shortage and cost savings
Summary
S.B. 397 would shorten required training for out‑of‑state school bus drivers with valid commercial credentials; S.B. 636 would raise passenger limit in vans from 8 to 10 to mirror Massachusetts. Witnesses said both would save money and help address driver shortages; the committee held both bills.
The Senate Education Committee heard two bills addressing student transportation: S.B. 397, which would reduce course time for bus‑driver applicants who already hold a valid commercial driver's credential from another state, and S.B. 636, which would allow vans used for student transport to carry up to 10 passengers (currently limited to 8) — aligning Rhode Island with Massachusetts practice.
Senator Ujafusa described the bills as outcomes of a joint legislative commission studying student transportation. He told the committee that Rhode Island's uniform 10‑hour bus driver course has limited competition, contributing to route‑bid shortages and higher costs. He said an…
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