Maine faces school bus safety and driver shortages

As students in Maine return to school, the state faces significant challenges regarding school bus transportation. Approximately 80% of Maine students rely on buses for their daily commute, but districts are currently struggling with driver shortages, rising diesel fuel costs, and safety concerns.

Following the deaths of two students, Brayden Callahan and Simon Gonzalez, in separate bus-related incidents last school year, the state has begun providing funding to retrofit buses with safety features such as crossing arms. Diesel prices have also increased by nearly $2 per gallon compared to last year, potentially creating fiscal pressure for school districts.