Durham Public Schools officially launched a new shuttle bus program Monday, aiming to address the district’s severe bus driver shortage. While the system ensures transportation for students four days a week, many parents are finding the changes a significant hardship, citing logistical challenges and uncertainty.
Jelina Catania, a parent of four, shared her struggles with the new schedule. “I have to make three different stops at three different schools right now,” she said, noting the strain of managing her children’s transportation. Another parent, Melissa Arcila, expressed frustration, saying, “Sometimes, the bus doesn’t come, and I need to come here to pick up my son.”
The shortage of bus drivers—estimated at around 60—has led to creative solutions from both parents and the district. Eric Green, a parent at Creekside Elementary, started the Creekside Eagle Express, a volunteer carpool system connecting drivers with families in need of rides. “We have about 350 kids who depend on these buses, so having buses run late or not at all presents real challenges for families,” Green explained.
Durham Public Schools Director of Transportation Fleet Services Joe C. Harris acknowledged the challenges and highlighted the broader impact of the shortage. “60 drivers would help us with daily call-outs, medical leave, and all the different things like that, so we’re able to support our students every day,” Harris said. He also noted that transportation staff had been unable to complete essential repair work as they were pressed into service driving buses themselves.
The shuttle program, initially set to run until December 20, may be extended into the new year as the district works to recruit and retain more drivers. Despite the hurdles, the district thanked families for their cooperation, saying, “We appreciate your patience as we work to fill our driver vacancies and secure our routes. Please know that we hear your concerns and are working hard to solve our transportation challenges.”
For now, parents like Catania are finding ways to adapt, even as they hope for a long-term solution. “Once a week is not so bad to pick them up,” she admitted, but the sentiment among many families remains one of frustration and resilience as they navigate this challenging transition.
