HCPSS Transportation Update, Oct. 18, 2023

October 18th, 2023

Since HCPSS implemented adjustments to school start times last month, significant improvements have been realized related to student transportation services. By shifting start times while still maintaining later school start times than prior years, HCPSS added slack into the schedules, which has led to buses having sufficient time to complete their morning and afternoon routes. As a result, our percentage of on-time arrivals is similar to previous years arrivals.

Here are updates on several areas related to student transportation.

Driver Shortage

In the past, HCPSS has contended with an annual average driver shortage of between 85-95 drivers. Currently all 507 HCPSS transportation routes are covered by a bus or alternative vehicle and a driver. Additionally, transportation contractors have participated in the hiring fairs hosted by HCPSS and implemented other strategies to be sure all their driver positions are filled. Contractors continue to hire and train additional drivers to account for expected turnover and have sufficient drivers on days when there are more callouts than typical.

Transportation for Students with Disabilities

HCPSS and transportation contractors have made many improvements, specifically on routes that serve students with disabilities. Staff in the HCPSS Office of Special Education have been instrumental in coordination between the HCPSS Office of Student Transportation and the families and advocacy groups who best understand the needs of our students with disabilities.

The school system will continue to swiftly address challenges if and when they arise to ensure all students receive the transportation services that are required.

Field Trips

As of early October, 585 field trip requests had been submitted to the HCPSS Office of Safety and Security for field trips this school year, compared to the 416 at this same time last year. As school staff coordinate transportation services for their scheduled field trips, adjustments are being made to allow more flexibility for schools to utilize additional transportation contractors if the one assigned to their school is unable to fulfill their request for a field trip.

HCPSS staff will continue to work with schools and transportation contractors to ensure scheduled field trips are able to proceed as planned.

Athletics

Each week, improvements have been made regarding transportation for our athletics teams. Games no longer have to be rescheduled due to a lack of transportation and, as transportation contractors secure additional certified drivers, HCPSS will be in a better position to ensure full on-time coverage of athletics events. Issues will continue to be mitigated as they arise to ensure athletic transportation is in place for all teams.

Use of Vans

Recently, HCPSS began to transition students from riding vans to buses, and that process will continue throughout the coming weeks. Having more students on buses results in improved efficiencies and more availability of drivers and other staff to serve other needs as one bus can transport several vans worth of students. HCPSS will continue to leverage vans as needed as they provide additional flexibility of services for our overall transportation system.