For the first time in decades, city school bus companies have enough drivers for all routes — prior to the start of the new school year.
Representatives from both First Student Canada and Southland Transportation said a slumping economy has helped filled vacant positions to the point where all routes are covered.
“With the economy in Alberta it’s always been a problem getting drivers,” said Wayne Scaddan, from First Student Canada.
First Student Canada has enough drivers to cover approximately 420 routes and Southland has enough to cover 500 routes, both in the Calgary Catholic School District, Calgary Board of Education and outlining areas.
Melissa Sanderson, from Southland, said it hasn’t been since 1988 when the Calgary Olympics were held that they had enough drivers.
“It’s a nice change from previous years,” said Sanderson.
Both companies said they still recruit on an ongoing basis to have back-up drivers and high turnover rates.
