In a recent nationwide survey conducted by the NAPT, NASDPTS and NSTA, half of school transportation managers have reported a “desperate” or “severe” need for bus drivers. Argo is no exception to this.

“It all started last year. So basically, when the school shut down–we went remote. First Student let go of all their drivers. Then, when we opened up, kind of like that hybrid part time schedule, not all the drivers came back. Some of them stayed on unemployment, some of them found other jobs, so we never ever got back our drivers, ever,” said Dean Denise Ghaowi, who manages bus transportation for Argo.

First Student is the company that Argo and many other schools across North America use for bus services.

Due to the bus driver shortages, Argo has had to combine some bus routes.

“Now, this year, since the shortage of bus drivers, we have to be merged with Sterling Estates, which is another 15 minutes added on to the ride and the bus rides are always so packed. It’s usually three to a seat and it just does not work like that, it’s just so much,” said Marina Ilic, a sophomore here at Argo. Not only are the buses crowded because of the combined bus routes, but it is also taking longer for students to get home.

“I just get home really really late. It takes me like 30-35 minutes to get home. I get home at 3:35 each day, which is kind of ridiculous in my opinion considering that I can get to downtown Chicago faster than my bus can take me home,” Marina mentioned in an interview.

The longer bus routes have impacted students’ routines after school.

“Being an honors and AP student, 35-40 minutes is a lot. It means a lot to me because I can be doing so much homework or anything else at that time. Instead, I’m just contemplating what time that I’m going to get home. In 30 minutes, you could do a lot. It’s just annoying getting home so so late every single day,” Marina mentioned.

Although, Ghaowi mentions that drop off times after school have not been affected.

“This is the first time hearing about them being late dropping off…all the routes are getting home relatively around the same time as they always did,” Ghaowi stated.

Administrators are working on hiring new bus drivers. First Student has offered bonuses to potential bus drivers in an effort to employ more.

Covid has impacted many aspects of our daily lives, some changes lasting longer. Bus transportation at Argo is another aspect that we do not know when will go back to normal.