Bus Driver Shortage Leaves Milwaukee Students Stranded

Milwaukee Public School students are left struggling to find transportation after the district struggles to find bus drivers.

According to TMJ 4, bus routes were delayed or canceled on the first day of school due to a bus driver shortage, causing stressful situations for plenty of students and their families.

Milwaukee High School of the Arts sophomore Claire Frank told TMJ 4 that she drove to the bus stop with her mom, but the bus never arrived. "Our bus never showed up. We were all left stranded," said Claire. Luckily, her mother could drive her to school, but that option won't be available every day.

MSP offered students public transportation bus vouchers, but families have safety concerns. For instance, if Claire has to take public transportation, she would have a 90-minute commute. "I am very far away from the school. Like I am in Bay View and school is over on Highland, so I don’t really have a way of getting here, especially the way my parents' work schedules are lined up. My mother has our only car. We’re a low-income family, we can’t afford two cars or any other means of transportation. I would have to take three buses and get up at 4 a.m.," said Claire.

In response to the bus shortage, TMJ 4 reported that MSP released the following statement:

"Milwaukee Public Schools is aware that some families have been affected by transportation issues stemming from a shortage of drivers. The district has contacted families through phone calls, text messages, and emails as we work to ensure all students are serviced. Currently, MPS is continuing to communicate with impacted families to place them on routes with drivers while bus companies are temporarily assigning additional routes to current drivers. We graciously ask our families to remain patient as we diligently collaborate with the bus companies and schools to provide safe transportation for students."