As we round out week three of the school year, we continue to make progress covering bus routes and hiring drivers in order to minimize delays and other transportation related challenges. Our goal is to keep you updated and engaged in this process as we move forward.
Currently, we have assigned 460 trips of 1200 as part of our continued work to reduce our uncovered trips. These newly covered trips are being driven by previously assigned drivers, so there may be associated bus delays while they complete their first trips and then cover the additional assignment. The updated list of uncovered trips can be found on the school system website at www.pgcps.org.
Additionally, we have ramped up our advertising and hiring campaign to attract new bus drivers and attendants, including targeting current PGCPS staff who have flexibility in their positions as paraprofessionals, food and facilities services and maintenance workers.
Hiring events are ongoing and referrals are appreciated.
We are piloting the Chipmunk app, which lets families track their child’s bus in real time. Beginning the week of September 15, Phase 2 will add three special education routes (R, G, and K). A small group of parents is currently testing the app, with a full rollout to all schools planned in the coming months. For questions, email trs@pgcps.org or call (301) 952-6570.