MT. AIRY, N.C. — Mount Airy City Schools bus drivers say they’re in a better position than in years past when it comes to driver shortages. 

Mount Airy City Schools only has two bus driver vacancies heading into the new school year, although the state’s largest districts are still facing shortages. Wake County Public Schools still needs more than 200 bus drivers, Guilford County Schools needs more than 50 drivers and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools needs more than 40. 

“Bus drivers are really needed now. I think before it was kind of looked over or whatever, but now I think people realize how important our job is now,” said bus driver, Roger Pilson.

Pilson started driving buses six years ago after retiring as a security guard at a hospital. He wanted something to fill his time, but not long hours. Pilson’s been recognized as Surry County’s Bus Driver of the Year and Mount Airy City Schools’ Bus Driver of the Year. 

“I love driving a school bus and just picking up the kids and seeing the smiles on their faces and everything. It gives you a reason to get up in the morning,” he said.

Pilson looks forward to the new challenge each year. Back in 2020, the challenge came with covering routes during the first months of the pandemic. Pilson says he often had to double up on routes. 

“The year before last, we were making two trips... It was stress, but you gotta do what you gotta do in the time of COVID,” he said.

While other school districts are still dealing with bus driver shortages, they continue to offer incentives for new drivers.

Guilford County Schools, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Wake County Public Schools, Asheville City Schools and New Hanover County Schools are all offering sign-on bonuses to new drivers this year.