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Driver shortages push RSU 52 to contract routes; budget includes three new buses
Summary
Facing a shortage of bus drivers, RSU 52 staff told the board they have shifted two driver positions to contracted services, budgeted higher vehicle‑maintenance and insurance costs, and included funding to purchase three buses (one wheelchair‑accessible) in the capital plan.
Board members reviewed Article 8, the transportation budget, and were told driver shortages are driving a shift toward contracted services for some routes and trips.
The transportation presenter explained that the district has difficulty hiring and retaining drivers and therefore reclassified two driver positions as contracted services to ensure runs will be covered. The presenter said contracted services typically cost more per trip than employing drivers, but the district has struggled to recruit enough drivers to staff all routes.
“There is a reduction in bus driver salaries; we have shifted two of the bus driver positions to contracted services,” the transportation presenter said, explaining the move is driven by an inability to fill positions and by rising vehicle‑maintenance and insurance costs tied to an aging bus fleet.
Administration also noted an increase in van‑driver demand, higher vehicle‑maintenance and auto‑insurance projections, and the start of a contract with an out‑of‑district vendor (HopSkipDrive) to cover some runs. The capital plan includes three new buses (two full‑size and one wheelchair‑accessible vehicle) to replace aging equipment and address reliability needs.
What’s next: transportation staff will return with updated cost breakdowns for contracted runs versus in‑house drivers and provide financing detail for the three planned bus purchases ahead of the final warrant vote.
