BULLITT COUNTY, Ky. — School systems around the country are facing the same issue, a shortage of bus drivers. Some Bullitt County school bus drivers even called out Tuesday to protest for better wages. 

What You Need To Know

  • Bullitt County bus drivers protesting for better wages

  • 17 bus routes canceled Tuesday after bus drivers called out sick

  • Bus drivers requesting a $3 raise

  • Bullitt County Public Schools transportation department is working to build a new routing system for the remainder of the school year. ​

For Bullitt County bus driver Jody Robinson, her favorite part of the day is taking kids to school.

“I get a lot of hugs in the morning, when they get off, they’re just the best little guys in the world so I enjoy them so much,” Robinson said.

But these days you can also find her outside the board of education protesting for better wages. Bullitt County bus drivers are demanding a $3 pay raise to $20 an hour.

“I enjoy all the kids and it's very rewarding but it doesn't pay my bills. If it wasn't for my husband's income I would qualify for food stamps and welfare and that just isn't right,” Robinson said. “I don't feel like any state employee should qualify for that and it is a full time job and I can't afford to work here anymore.”

Bullitt County superintendent Jesse Bacon said nearly 17 bus routes were canceled Tuesday after several bus drivers called in sick. 

The school board members approved three new actions on Sep. 28 including attendance stipend that is equivalent to 6-8% a week increase in pay, a stipend for current district employees (coaches, custodians, other classified staff, etc.) who obtain a CDL-B and fill in as a substitute driver when needed and the opportunity for drivers and monitors to carry out extra duties for additional compensation.

Robinson said she feels underappreciated with the extra routes she has already taken on.

“What's really sad is these kids will stand out on their route, pitch dark, really dark, out in the middle of the country and they could stand out there for a half-hour to an hour not knowing if a bus is ever going to come pick them up at all,” Robinson said.

Bullitt County bus drivers are also asking that sick/personal days be given back to employees who had COVID-19 or had to quarantine, no vaccine stipulation, a yearly raise of $0.50/hour and at least $1/hour raise every five years, and optional escrow.

Despite the challenges, Robinson says she can’t imagine working any other job.

“For the time being, no, I really couldn't. I think I'm at that age in my life where I just enjoy what I do, I really do. I didn't think I would in the beginning but surprisingly I really enjoy what I do,” Robinson said.

That's why Robinson is still driving her bus routes but spending her time between shifts holding signs, hoping to continue the job she loves at a better rate. 

Superintendent Jesse Bacon said the Bulllitt County Public Schools (BCPS) transportation department is working to build a new routing system for the remainder of the school year. ​ 

According to BCPS these are the two routing concepts being used:

  • Concept 1, which will be typical daily routing concept, will use 65 general education routes, 15 special education routes, and approximately 10 substitutes
  • Concept 2, aka a “Blue Bus Day,” will use 59 general education routes, 15 special education routes, and approximately 10 substitutes. This concept will only be utilized in the event there is an abundance of driver shortages.

“Back Our Bullitt County Bus Drivers”  is a Facebook group created for the community to come together and rally around bus drivers. 

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