The continuing shortage of qualified school bus drivers statewide will completely or partially suspend bus transportation services at ten Oʻahu high schools and four schools on Kauaʻi when the new school year begins on August 7.

Students at affected schools will be provided with subsidized county bus passes to use on TheBus on Oʻahu and Kauai Bus for transportation as part of the Expanding Ridership to Educate Students in Schools (EXPRESS) program.

High school bus routes on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island have been modified due to the bus driver shortages, however school bus service will continue. School bus routes on Molokaʻi and Lanaʻi are currently not affected. School bus routes on all islands are subject to change should further staffing shortages occur.

Since the disruptions to the labor force in both Hawaiʻi and nationwide caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education has reached out to mainland bus operators, tour bus operators, the National Guard and firefighters, among others, to recruit qualified bus drivers. All of these groups were unable to assist due to their own staffing shortages and liability issues. Bus service contractors are continuing to offer hiring bonuses, pay incentives and increased benefits to attract and recruit new drivers.

Families at impacted schools are being contacted by their respective school administrations with detailed route information and guidance.

Photo credit: DOE