Hempfield Area could lean on other bus companies to stem driver shortage

As the First Student bus company experiences a shortage of substitute drivers, Hempfield Area School District officials are looking to other bus companies to help transport students.

When necessary, and if transportation is available, Hempfield Area will utilize buses from Mt. Pleasant-based DMJ Transportation and Kittanning-based A.J. Myers & Sons, according to Superintendent Tammy Wolicki. The district contracts with DMJ to operate mini-buses and school board members this month extended an agreement with A.J. Myers & Sons.

“If available, a bus from one of these companies may transport your child(ren) when First Student has a shortage,” Wolicki said in a letter posted on the district’s website Monday.

Notice of possible changes to bus routes came after three First Student school buses — including two mini-buses — were left without drivers Monday morning after several called off. DMJ Transportation was able to support runs for the mini-buses for the elementary and middle schools. First Student worked to have other buses pick up additional students.

In a statement provided to the Tribune-Review this week, First Student Spokeswoman Jen Biddinger said the company is doubling a handful of bus routes for Hempfield students due to a need for drivers. She noted, however, that the company has driver candidates in various stages of training, who could be added to the workforce in coming weeks.

According to Wolicki, any bus changes will be communicated through First View, an application that allows families to see the location and direction of a child’s school bus, which can send messages by school bus. Wolicki noted, however, a real time view of a bus location will not be available if an alternate bus is used.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to address shortages,” Wolicki wrote in the letter. “We will work to communicate changes with you as soon as possible as we realize the impact on family schedules.”