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Bus driver shortage forces temporary cancellation of some routes for Seattle Public Schools students

By Theresa Robinson, KIRO 7 News
By Theresa Robinson, KIRO 7 News

SEATTLE — The Seattle School District is warning families that some bus routes will not be in effect at the start of the school year as the district continues to be affected by a nationwide bus driver shortage.

The district does not own or operate school buses, instead working with two transportation vendors to provide bus service to students: First Student and Zum.

SPS says these vendors are working to recruit more bus drivers and will add back bus routes as quickly as possible.

“We know this solution is far from perfect, and we are doing everything we can to minimize disruption. Families who will not have bus service for the start of school may feel frustrated and upset,” a message shared to families in the school district reads in part. “We are committed to making sure that all students who need it have safe and dependable transportation to and from school.”

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Earlier this year, the district proposed delaying start times for the 2022 - 2023 school year in order to save up to 50 school bus routes that would otherwise be cut.

After many parents expressed concerns, the district decided that there would be no changes to school start times or its two-tier transportation system.

The district says families subscribed to bus routes that will not be in service will be notified before Sept. 7.

Classes begin for students from grades 1 - 12 on Wednesday, Sept. 7. Kindergarten and preschool students will begin class the following week on Monday, Sept. 12.

VIDEO: Bus driver shortage forces cancellation of some routes for Seattle schools

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