LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) expects to transport over 65,000 students twice a day, every day, this school year. The district announced it'll have all of its 771 routes covered when buses roll out for the start of the 2021-22 school year on August 11.

“Transportation is one of our most basic but critical functions, ensuring that we get kids to school and home again safely,” Chris Perkins, JCPS chief operations officer, said in a news release. “We’re proud of the dedication and work that goes into carrying out this responsibility, especially in these unique circumstances that require additional measures to protect our students and staff.”

Perkins said JCPS will be following CDC guidelines for school buses, including taking extra steps to ensure the highest safety standards for students: 

• All students must remain masked while on the bus, unless they have a completed medical waiver on file. Drivers will have masks available for students who don’t have one when they board the bus.
• Hand sanitizer will also be available on all buses.
• Drivers will clean seats and high-touch areas in between routes.
• Windows will be open whenever possible.
• Students will be assigned seats, to help with contact tracing in the event there is a positive case reported.

Buses will be at full capacity, with no restrictions on seating per CDC guidelines.

To address a shortage of bus drivers, the district implemented numerous initiatives to grow its ranks, including numerous job fairs and the board-approved $5,000 stipend and $6 shift differential for this school year.

“Incentives like these have helped JCPS keep most of our experienced drivers and recruit new ones for the upcoming school year,” Perkins said. “We’re also grateful for schools being flexible and collaborating with us to ensure we have every route, for every child who rides a bus, covered as we start the school year.”

Additionally, JCPS has programs to help families get crucial information on their child’s bus number and bus stop, according to Marcus Dobbs, executive administrator for Transportation Services.

Starting Monday, Aug. 9, parents will be able to dial 485-RIDE to speak with a member of the JCPS team for important information on transportation-related questions.

The hotline will be available throughout the week at the following times:

• Monday, Aug. 9: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 10: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 11: 6 a.m.-7 p.m. (or final clear)
• Thursday, Aug. 12: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (or final clear)
• Friday, Aug. 13: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. (or final clear)

Families can also check out the JCPS Bus Finder on the district’s website. Parents, guardians or students can enter their home address and school to find their bus number, nearest bus stop and pickup times.