We are aware of discussion among our community regarding the sunset of a temporary bus driver incentive and the potential impact on bus service. Here’s what you need to know.
Over the past year, PGCPS introduced a temporary incentive for our bus drivers to help navigate the national driver shortage. Thanks to successful recruiting, we have hired more than 100 new drivers and have reached a point of operational stability.
Because we are no longer in an emergency staffing situation, the temporary incentive will end on March 27, 2026,
Will this change my child’s bus service? No. Bus service will continue daily as scheduled. While minor delays can happen, similar to what occurs during inclement weather, having a full team of drivers means we are better equipped to handle daily routes and unexpected absences.
Why is the incentive ending? The incentive was a short-term tool used to keep buses running while we rebuilt our workforce. Now that we have a full team and improved routing technology, we are able to move back to our standard operating procedures.
Are drivers’ wages being reduced? No. Drivers will continue to receive their full hourly pay and any earned overtime. We are simply ending a temporary "crisis-based" bonus. Our drivers are valued members of our team, and they will continue to be compensated fairly according to their regular contracts.
What improvements has the district made? Beyond hiring more staff, we’ve invested in better routing technology. This allows us to be more efficient and ensures that your child’s transportation is more reliable and predictable than it was during the peak of the shortage.
