The transportation superintendent for the Tri-Boards consortium says there weren’t many hiccups getting kids to school on buses on Day One.
Ryan Hartling says that’s despite a shortage of drivers.
“Right now, we are covered,” he states. “All of our routes are covered with spare drivers and office staff. So no buses are cancelled long-term.”
The only cancellation on the first day of school was in Timmins.
While while the bus companies recruit more drivers, Hartling says it’s a good job for people who like working with kids.
“Driving a school bus can be very rewarding. The bus companies are great to provide in-house training to get your B licence and it can be a very good job to have for somebody who’s looking for that little extra something on the side, or somebody wh’s retired and looking for something to do.”
The consortium coordinates transportation for all the school boards in the Cochrane Timiskaming districts, except the French Catholic board.