Durham, NC (WNCN) — Facing a persistent bus driver shortage, Durham Public Schools (DPS) has announced the continuation of its four-day shuttle bus service into the new year, starting January 17. The system, originally implemented to address the transportation crisis, aims to maintain reliable service for students despite ongoing staffing challenges.
In a statement released Friday, DPS emphasized that the expanded shuttle service will provide much-needed consistency for student transportation while allowing the district time to evaluate and implement long-term solutions.
The DPS Board of Education is set to discuss the matter further at its December 19 meeting, where potential changes to bus routes, services, and systems will be on the table. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to shape the future of student transportation throughout the district.
While the temporary solution has kept buses running, parents and guardians are eager to hear what sustainable plans DPS will introduce to address the root cause of the driver shortage. Will hiring incentives, route adjustments, or broader structural changes become part of the strategy? All eyes will be on the December meeting for answers.
For now, the shuttle system continues to keep students moving—a testament to the district’s effort to adapt in the face of a complex and pressing challenge.
