Some Pittsburgh Public Schools students to be given Port Authority vouchers to get to school

PITTSBURGH — UPDATE: April 22, 2021 - Following an agenda meeting with members of the Pittsburgh Public School Board, the community is one step closer to learning how the district plans on transporting thousands of students, while navigating a bus driver shortage.

Two suggested options include delaying start times for certain school campuses as well as utilizing the Port Authority.

“People call off. And, at a time when we’re using all of our capacity and available drivers to run every route; if one or two drivers were to call off or get sick, or something like that – if affects a large group of students; especially when we are running tight routes and some drivers are running three routes. So, one driver being off has a major effect on a school,” said Mike McNamara, Pittsburgh Public Schools.

As of April 1, the district is short 200 drivers.

On May 3, all students will return to school campuses, through a hybrid learning model. Previously, the district has provided students with CONNTECT tickets, to utilize the Port Authority’s network of buses and trains, but there is concern for the safety of young students.

“Is there an age where there would be a cutoff for that?”

“I mean, we wouldn’t put youngsters on transportation like that?”

“We would be willing to provide families with the CONNECT ticket where they would be able to escort their elementary kids to school. We have looked at that as an option.”

The district is also considering changing school start times, especially since it doesn’t have any say on Port Authority routes and times. No decision or final plan has been made.

With simply not enough buses and drivers to get all kids in the Pittsburgh Public Schools to and from buildings, district officials said some will be given Port Authority vouchers. Other students are being asked to stay home and continue learning remotely for the rest of the school year.

Officials said they need 200 more bus drivers by early May and 350 more by next fall to be able to get everyone to school on time. Roughly 2,600 students won’t have a bus and some parents are being asked to provide their own transportation.

District officials said they’re facing a daily seat shortage of 1,300.

Some parents told Channel 11 they feel the district is once again failing their kids.

“We are going to continue to work as much as possible. We understand and appreciate the frustration. We appreciate the understanding and flexibility of our families,” said chief academic officer Minika Jenkins.

Local bus companies are trying to get more people behind the wheel. They’re offering incentives like higher salaries and signing bonuses, but it’s unlikely all the needed positions will be filled in time.

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