Bus driver shortage in Framingham has parents concerned

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Christian Ortiz has two children in the Framingham Public Schools system. He says the upcoming school year which starts August 30 will be a tough one for some residents, including his own family.

“I have family affected by it,” he said.

And all of it due to a school bus driver shortage. Some parents say they may have to go to work late just to be sure their kids get to school on time.

“I have cousins that their kids can’t get a ride to school and they have to figure it out, whether being late to work, not going to work on time,” said Ortiz.

Ortiz says it seems to be the same issue every year in Framingham.

“They’re not paying them well enough. No one wants to do it. So it kind is what it is,” he said.

A new three-year contract with North Reading Transportation (NRT) now pays drivers thirty-one dollars an hour, but the district says the company still can’t fill the slots.

“But that driver shortage is everywhere,” said Lincoln Lynch, who is the Executive Director of Finance and Operations for Framingham Public Schools.

Lynch tells Boston 25 he reached out to private bus lines for help, but they are having the same problem.

The school district messaged families saying in part:

“We will be unable to accommodate every student that needs a bus.”

And that applies to students:

• K-6 who live less than 2 miles from school.
• All students in grades 7-12.

And while he understands that message, it’s still frustrating to parents like Christian.

“It’s a lot. It affects everybody in different ways,” said Ortiz.

Some on the school committee say they may explore ways to end the new contract if the bus company is not able to hold up its end of the bargain.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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