School bus companies desperately seek drivers as CPS school year starts

CHICAGO (WLS) -- They have signs everywhere, and even a giant windstock stick figure, all to draw the attention of potential school bus drivers. The Illinois Central School Bus Company is down about 15% of the drivers they need to get CPS students to school.

"I've never seen anything like this through my employment here," said Cindy Sosnowski, Illinois Central School Bus.

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The shortage of school bus drivers is a problem around the country. Some of it is caused by concerns about COVID-19, despite extensive cleaning and mandatory masks.

In Arlington Heights they are going to a staggered schedule at the high school so bus drivers can double up on routes.

"Some students come a little earlier and some leave a little later to make this work," said Stephanie Kim, spokesperson for School District 214.



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Some people are responding to the outreach. Jordann Washington starts training this week.

"They got hiring signs all over the place so I might as well come get a job," she said.

Bus drivers get two weeks of training and have to pass a road test before they can drive with kids on board.