Ga., S.C. districts hit with bus driver shortages

One of the districts has been forced to double or triple routes to cope with the shortage. Recruitment and retention problems, as well as absenteeism, have contributed to the problem.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

March 6, 2012

1 min to read

Recruitment and retention problems have caused a shortage of bus drivers at two school districts in Georgia and one in South Carolina, The Augusta Chronicle reports.

Richmond County School System in Augusta, Ga., is in need of approximately 20 more bus drivers. The district currently has 150 drivers, but, on average, 20 drivers call in sick or are absent each day, meaning the department is forced to double or triple routes.

Aiken (S.C.) County Public School District is having trouble finding qualified applicants to fill 18 bus driver positions. Columbia County School System in Evans, Ga., is plagued by absenteeism and needs about seven more drivers.

To read the full story, click here.

Topics:driver recruitment/retention Georgia Management

More Management

Management•by News/Media Release•June 22, 2026

Zum Expands to Rhode Island with 2 New District Partnerships

The Ocean State becomes Zum’s 18th state served as the company expands its presence in the Northeast U.S., while launching operations in Philadelphia, and supporting FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Driver Shortage Playbook

How student transportation fleets are hiring, retaining and adapting .

Management•by News/Media Release•June 19, 2026

Stertil-Koni Announces New Company President

Lewis Nelson joins the heavy-duty vehicle lift provider, succeeding Scott Steinhardt in the lead role.

From Our Partners

What More Than Two Million Rides Reveal About School Transit

Tennessee Hall of Fame Honors Drivers for Decades of Service

Frances Theiring, a school bus driver for Wilson County Schools, retires this year after almost 50 years on the road. She is one of two long-time drivers honored for their service in the state.

A school bus driver wearing a safety vest exchanges a high-five with a smiling young student near the front of a school bus. Sunlight streams through the windows as another adult stands nearby.

Management•by Staff and News Reports•June 18, 2026

What Happens to a School Bus After Retirement? First Student Has a New Answer

Through a new partnership with Advanced Remarketing Services, proceeds from retired vehicle sales will support Special Olympics and other community-focused organizations while advancing sustainability goals.

Management•by News/Media Release•June 18, 2026

School Bus Logistics Adds 3 Data Analysts, Expands Routing Capabilities

Three new data analysts and a BusRight certification bring an added layer of support to the routing services districts already use.

Outsourcing Student Transportation Services Toolkit

Did you know nearly 40% of school districts utilize a private contractor to serve their transportation needs? Explore why more school leaders are turning to contracted transportation services, and how outsourcing can create meaningful value without sacrificing control. Discover the practical benefits of a transportation services platform that provides flexibility with coordination.