General Manager of Durham Transportation Tonia Rader gave an update to the Warren County School Board and said, despite the challenges faced this year, the company is pushing forward. Rader says this year they have had a shortage of bus drivers.

“We started the 22-23 school year down 13 drivers. As of today, we are only down six drivers from having every route covered,” said Rader. 

She said Durham is vigilantly trying to recruit drivers to get all routes covered. The company is currently offering a $2,500 sign-on bonus for anyone fully licensed, $1,500 for anyone with CDLs, but without PMS endorsement, and $1,000 to anyone without CDLs at all. 

Durham does in-house training at no cost to the new employee. The process takes about three to four weeks and employees are required to have 15-20 hours of classroom training and 60 hours behind the wheel. Rader says the state only requires Entry-Level Driving Training which includes four to five hours of classroom training and 50 hours behind the wheel.

Rader said Durham Transportation was able to keep every route open during its shortage and never had to refuse service. 

“We have 55 routes and, yes, we have had to double quite a few; however, we have not had to shut any routes down or refuse service to anyone during our critical shortage,” said Rader.

“I do want to commend all my employees for going above and beyond to make sure everyone has a way to school and back home that needs one. I want to thank the parents who have been so patient and understanding during our trying times,” said Rader.

School Board member Bill Zechman asked about the status of the electric buses Warren County applied for and Directors of Schools Dr. Grant Swallows said he received a confirmation email that the application was received, but has not heard back yet.

“I do know they have put more money in the project because they do know that there are more people interested. I anticipate us hearing something at some point,” said Swallows.