School bus driver shortage could affect 29 Hamilton schools

Students from as many as 29 Hamilton schools could be impacted by a school bus driver shortage when classes begin next week.

Chair of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School board, Todd White, says the most recent numbers show 17 routes could see delays thanks to last-minute departures.

“We get a lot of retirements in, unfortunately, come September 1st,” White said.

He said it’s important for families to know that there will be no cancellations.

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“When drivers are done their routes, the hope is, or the plan is that they would double up and then pick up another existing route or a route that is not filled.”

By Tuesday, local school boards are hoping to see the shortage down to 12 routes through the help of supply drivers.

Families are encouraged to sign up for email notifications of delays and cancellations at hamiltonschoolbus.ca

Here is the list of schools potentially impacted:

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board

• Allan Greenleaf PS
• Lynwood Hall
• Ancaster Senior
• Mary Hopkins
• Chedoke
• Mountview
• Dalewood PS
• R. A. Riddell
• Dr. J. Edgar Davey
• Spencer Valley
• Fessenden
• Tiffany Hills Elementary
• Flamborough Centre
• Waterdown Secondary
• Guy Brown
• Westdale Secondary

Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board

• Annunciation of Our Lord
• St. Ann’s Ancaster
• Bishop Tonnos Secondary
• St. Clare
• Cardinal Newman Secondary
• St. Gabriel
• Guardian Angels
• St. Mary Secondary
• Immaculate Conception
• St. Teresa of Avila
• Our lady of Mount Carmel
• St. Thomas
• Our Lady of Peace