The Department of Education in Hawaii is facing a shortage of bus drivers for public school students, with over 100 bus routes temporarily suspended earlier this year. This affected nearly 3,000 students who rely on bus transportation. In an effort to address this shortage, Leeward Community College will be introducing a new Bus Driver Training class in January 2025. The class aims to expand Commercial Driver’s License training initiatives to help fill the workforce gaps in Hawaii. Participants in the program will undergo 80 hours of training and must have a CDL School Bus permit before registering. The program is made possible through industry partnerships, with training buses donated by Ground Transport Inc.
While HIDOE has reinstated many bus routes for the current school year, they are still in need of 87 additional drivers. The expansion of CDL training programs not only aims to address the immediate bus driver shortage but also supports Hawaii’s broader economic recovery and workforce needs. Those interested in the program can find more information and register on Leeward Community College’s website. This initiative is a step towards providing a solution to the ongoing shortage of bus drivers for public school students in Hawaii.
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