Possible lack of school bus drivers in Waterloo region a 'significant concern,' transportation manager says

The possibility there could be a lack of school bus operators when school starts again in three weeks is a "significant concern," says Benoit Bourgault, the general manager of Student Transportation Services Waterloo Region.

Getting school bus drivers before COVID-19 was already a challenge, Bourgault says. Now, with three weeks before students are set to return to the classroom, he says bus operators are reaching out to employees to talk about returning to work.

He said bus drivers will wear masks and face shields, but the buses can't be modified because of regulations and safety features. That means unlike Grand River Transit buses, where a shield has been put in place to provide extra protection for the driver, that's not the case on a school bus.

"It is a significant concern. We're hoping that the safeguards we've put in place will satisfy the drivers and they will come back, because we need them. The system needs them," Bourgault said.

"We feel very confident through the work of the Ministry of Labour that the work will remain safe for the drivers and we're hoping to have them back because we need them."

Create a before bus routine

For parents who don't feel comfortable with their children riding the bus, the Ministry of Education recommends active transportation options, including cycling, walking or scootering to class.

Bourgault says parents who don't want their children to take the bus should fill out a "do not ride form" available through the transportation service's website.

For those students who will return to school and will be taking the bus, Bourgault says it's also important for parents and caregivers to teach children about washing their hands and wearing masks.

Like in schools, masks will be mandatory for students in Grade 4 and up and strongly encouraged for children in junior Kindergarten to Grade 3.

Bourgault says he expects school buses will be full next month and "social distancing will not be possible on the bus."

He says hand sanitizer will be on the bus, but it's good to start working on a routine now so children are used to it come Sept. 8.

"It's important that they practise wearing a mask and ensure that they have good hand hygiene before they get to the bus," he said. "Before you leave the home, wash your hands, put a mask on and keep your mask on all the way to school."