BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Association for Pupil Transportation estimates that 15-20% of school bus drivers have left their jobs since 2020. That means new drivers are needed now more than ever.

With many drivers retiring during the pandemic, school districts across Western New York are pulling out all the stops to train and recruit drivers for the upcoming school year.

First Student has increased its hourly wage from $25 to $28 an hour and added a signing bonus of up to $5,000. They offer paid training and will cover the cost of CDL classes, which is a requirement for hires.

Officials say they’ve made a push to have more boots on the ground recruiting now that in-person events are happening again, letting candidates know it's a viable career path.  

"There are a lot of people out there that don't even realize this would be an opportunity for them," said Robin Hansen, First Student recruiter. "We are investing in them and their future career as well as trying to find positive energy people. We want those people that can help motivate and mentor the little people that they're picking up."

First Student will hold open interviews on Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. at the Workplace Literacy Center on Virginia Street.