School Bus Driver Shortage Continues to Impact Greenville, Districts Nationwide

The issue, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, has persisted into 2026 and remains a major concern for school leaders across the country.

Greenville City Schools Transportation Supervisor George “Butch” Combs said the district is feeling the strain firsthand.

“We’ve had five or six drivers retire, resign, or go out on medical leave in recent months,” Combs said. “That is what is hurting us right now.”

To keep routes covered, Greenville has condensed service from 17 routes down to 14 and relies heavily on substitute drivers—though availability can be limited.

“We have 12 sub drivers, but they all have their own schedules,” Combs explained. “On any given day, maybe only two are available, and we might have six or eight trips that need covered.”

The shortage is not unique to Greenville. A 2025 national survey found nearly 80 percent of school administrators reported driver shortages in their districts.

Industry experts say the problem is the worst seen in decades, fueled by multiple factors:

• Retirements among veteran drivers during the pandemic
• Increased demand for student transportation
• Licensing requirements, including a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Challenging work schedules and relatively low pay

Many districts have been forced to extend ride times, alter pickup schedules, or ask parents to provide transportation when staffing falls short.

Combs noted that one of the biggest hurdles is the structure of the job itself.

“It’s a very odd schedule,” he said. “You work two or three hours in the morning, then have a four- or five-hour break, and come back for two or three hours in the afternoon.”

That schedule once worked well for farmers and part-time workers, but today’s workforce has shifted.

“Family farms have kind of gone by the wayside,” Combs said. “That pool of drivers just isn’t there like it used to be.”

Despite the challenges, he emphasized the positives.

“Bus driving is still taking care of kids, getting paid, getting benefits, and doing a service to the community,” Combs said.

The shortage has required district staff to step outside their normal roles. Combs himself frequently gets behind the wheel.

“I’ve been driving quite a bit,” he said. “If I’m on the bus, I’m not doing administrative work—and our mechanic isn’t fixing buses if he’s driving.”

The balancing act has made daily operations more difficult, but maintaining transportation remains a priority.

“Getting kids to school is the first step in education,” one administrator noted.

To address the shortage, Greenville is working to attract new drivers and reduce hesitation among potential applicants.

“We’re going to provide a ‘Test Drive a Bus Day’ this summer,” said Jody Harter, Director of Administrative Services. “It will give people an opportunity to see what it feels like to be behind the wheel.”

Combs said intimidation is often a barrier for new drivers.

“People see that big yellow bus and think it’s overwhelming,” he said. “But once you get behind the wheel and get the feel for it, it becomes second nature.”

He added that modern buses are easier to operate than many realize.

“A lot of people don’t know—they’re automatic now. No clutching, no shifting gears,” Combs said.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and obtain a CDL with proper endorsements.

While the shortage presents ongoing challenges, Combs believes the role offers meaningful rewards beyond a paycheck.

“You’re helping the schools, helping the kids, being a role model,” he said. “That’s what makes it worthwhile.”

He said one of the most rewarding parts of the job is building relationships with students.

“You get Christmas gifts, little snacks—it’s those connections you miss when you’re not driving every day,” Combs added.

Those interested in becoming a school bus driver with Greenville City Schools can pick up an application at Memorial Hall or contact the transportation office at 937-548-3185, extension 4301.