School bus operators nationwide are scrambling to get more drivers hired before the start of the school year.
In a new survey of the nation's top 50 bus contractors, every one of them say they have a driver shortage to some degree
As classes resume throughout the Houston area, area school districts feel the pinch, too.
Take Bill Powell, whose job is to make sure get local kids to school. He's transportation director of the Cypress-Fairbanks I-S-D in Harris County, which transports more students than any other school district in Texas.
Powell tells Newsradio 740 KTRH the status for drivers is almost always “Help Wanted” because as the economy improves, fewer people apply – because it’s a part-time job that involves early-morning hours and precious cargo.
He's also president of the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation -- and says other Houston area districts can relate.
Powell says Houston-area school districts regularly compare notes and find they're all always looking to hire qualified drivers.