The Impact of the National Bus Driver Shortage on Passenger Safety

Buses are an intricate part of our transportation system. Every day they ferry millions of people to their destinations across the U.S. However, cities and towns are facing a critical shortage of bus drivers, impacting municipal transit systems and school transportation. The trend began about 10-15 years ago as older drivers began retiring without enough younger drivers to replace them. The gap widened even more when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. This situation has also negatively impacted passenger safety.

One of the primary issues caused by a lack of bus drivers is the heightened risk of driver fatigue. With a limited pool of personnel, drivers often must work extended hours and cover additional routes, leading to exhaustion and diminished alertness at the wheel. Fatigue compromises judgment and reaction times, exponentially increasing the likelihood of accidents and jeopardizing passenger safety.

Moreover, safety issues extend beyond a bus accident. Even without a crash, passengers can suffer serious injuries due to sudden stops, speeding and dangerous maneuvers on the part of bus drivers.  Abrupt movements can result in slips and falls, which can be particularly serious for the elderly.

Attorney J.J. Dominguez of The Dominguez Firm explains a bus accident victim’s rights if they’re injured in an accident, “Injured passengers can file a lawsuit against the agency that operates the bus in question. Depending on the circumstances, it could be a municipal transit agency, a school district or a charter bus company. Victims should hire an experienced bus accident lawyer right away. A skilled attorney can investigate the accident, negotiate with the insurance company and fight for the compensation the victim is entitled to for their injuries.”

The statute of limitations for filing a bus accident lawsuit can vary. Generally speaking, those injured on mass transit buses have six months to file a lawsuit. Passengers injured on private buses, such as school buses operated by private institutions, enjoy a more generous two-year timeframe to pursue claims. Nonetheless, bus accident victims shouldn’t wait to file, they should do so right away.

Many cities are actively casting a wide net in search of new drivers. Recruitment fairs, competitive salaries and attractive benefits look to attract a diverse array of candidates to the profession, alleviating the strain on existing drivers and ensuring more comprehensive coverage of routes. Simultaneously, efforts to improve working conditions, including reasonable schedules and adequate rest breaks, aim to mitigate the risk of driver fatigue and promote a culture of safety within the profession.

Transit agencies and bus companies are also looking into technological innovations to enhance bus safety. From onboard monitoring systems that detect driver fatigue to advanced collision avoidance technology, these tools play a pivotal role in preventing accidents and safeguarding passengers from harm.

The shortage of bus drivers in the United States poses significant challenges to passenger safety and underscores the need for proactive intervention. Be it driver fatigue or bus overcrowding, there are many risks. But through concerted efforts to recruit and retain bus drivers, improve working conditions, and leverage technological solutions, cities can chart a course towards safer and more reliable bus transportation systems for all passengers.