Why Connecticut School Bus Delays Are Driving Parents Crazy — And What’s Really Going On
Across Connecticut, families are reporting late buses, missed stops, and routes that feel… creative. New Britain parents recently described hours-long delays and drop-offs in the wrong locations, according to nbcconnecticut.com.
As a guy who used to drive those big yellow school buses myself, I can confirm: even on a perfect day, piloting one feels like steering a floating barge through Danbury at rush hour, but I loved every minute of it!
A Driver Shortage Is Slowing Down Bus Routes
Connecticut is experiencing one of the most significant school bus driver shortages in years. Transportation companies report that hiring still hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, despite recruitment bonuses and statewide hiring pushes. For months, All-Star Transportation has consistently been advertising for drivers!
Wet leaves, fog, the state's obsession with roadwork, and traffic bottlenecks aren't helping. According FOX61, some towns have even faced potential disruptions from driver disputes, like in Middletown and Cromwell. In some cases, one driver is now covering the work of two or three. A friend of mine in New Milford has filed multiple complaints because the school her children attend, which is typically a six-minute drive away, results in a 70-minute bus ride home!
Read More: CT School System Ranking
Districts Say Relief Is Coming
Schedules are being revised, new hires are in the pipeline, and communication systems are improving. Until then, keep that bus-tracking app handy — and maybe pour yourself a second cup of coffee.
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