Seattle's school bus routes uncertain ahead of new school year

Seattle has about two weeks to go before the new school year starts, but families are waiting to find out if school bus routes will be up and running this fall.

Seattle Public Schools sent a letter to families Monday, warning them that it is still dealing with a bus driver shortage. Districts across the U.S. are dealing with similar issues. The bus driver shortage in Seattle led to the district suspending 142 routes in October 2021.

Families will find out if their routes will be affected by driver shortages before the new school year begins on Sept. 7. School officials are reminding everyone that students can ride King County Metro, Sound Transit, and other transit services for free.

With a two-tiered (staggered) school bell schedule, school officials say there is an increased need for bus drivers. The district back-tracked on plans to create a three-tier system, which it said would improve drive times/routes, after parents spoke out.

The district announced earlier this year it secured new transportation contracts with First Student and Zum — school bus companies — which are still trying to get up to full staffing levels themselves. The district says, once more drivers are hired, suspended bus routes will be reinstated.