Asheville City Schools Buses Reach Capacity, Actively Looking for Drivers to Accommodate Rising Number of Students

Asheville City Schools Buses Reach Capacity, Actively Looking for Drivers to Accommodate Rising Number of Students

In a recent turn of events, the Asheville County Schools confirmed a surge in student enrollment, which has led to all of their school buses hitting full capacity. Consequently, they are now actively recruiting bus drivers to accommodate the increasing number of students dependent on the transportation services.

A Significant Spike in Demands for School Buses Since Pre-Pandemic

According to Amanda Rigsby, ACS Transportation Director, a major reason for the higher enrollment could be parents feeling more confident about their children returning to school buses – this confidence likely driven by the distancing from the COVID-19 pandemic. She stated, “We haven’t seen this level of enrollment in student transportation since pre-pandemic.” Last year, the number of students depending on ACS buses was around 1,600. However, a sharp increase has taken this number to 1,903 this year.

Buses At Full Capacity: Two Schools, Three Campuses

With 22 dedicated drivers adjusting their routines daily, some buses are currently accommodating two elementary schools before rolling out to three more campuses – a secondary route. Rigsby notes that they haven’t exceeded the buses’ capacity yet, but some areas are already feeling the pinch. Particularly, some parents have reported instances of overcrowding, with their kids forced to share seats on the bus rides in the afternoon.

Parents Make the Best Drivers: ACS Recruiting Actively

Addressing the mounting pressure, Rigsby pointed out that parents have been some of her best recruits for bus drivers and is attempting to enlist more. The process, often, involves simple word-of-mouth recruitment, encouraging community members, and parents, in particular, to join them. For her, anyone could be a potential bus driver – all they need is an introduction and the right push.While no school staff members contribute to driving yet, Rigsby mentions it as a conceivable scenario in the face of rising students’ numbers. They emphasized that such measures might become necessary if student numbers continue to swell unexpectedly.

Addressing Capacity Limits: Chipmunk Bus-Tracking App

Rigsby reassured everyone that all ACS buses are currently operating within capacity. However, as they are diligently working to address these cap capacity challenge by reshuffling routes, she suggests that parents use the Chipmunk bus-tracking app to stay updated with potential changes.

Join the ACS Team: New Drivers Needed

The current situation amplifies the longstanding need for school bus drivers within the Asheville county. If you can drive and are interested in joining the ACS team, the ACS central office is fielding inquiries. Let’s ensure that every student gets to school safely and conveniently.