LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools has licensed 68 drivers from the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) in an effort to help restore transportation service to magnet and traditional schools. 

This comes after an agreement was reached in June for TARC to provide drivers who were facing the possibility of getting laid off the opportunity to help curb the district's bus driver shortage.

The district said the drivers have passed the state requirements to drive a school bus. This involves a Commercial Driver’s License and a special “S” certification from the state of Kentucky. 

Earlier this year, the Jefferson County Board of Education voted 4-3 to cut bus service to traditional and magnet schools, except for Western High School and Central High School. Two parents filed suit against the district in June for this decision, saying limiting access to traditional and magnet schools violates rights guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

According to a release, JCPS leaders have said at least 68 drivers could allow the district to safely restore transportation to schools that saw service get eliminated. JCPS added despite the reduced number of routes, more than 45,000 bus-riding students are getting to school on time and home at a reasonable hour, which was not happening last school year. 

JCPS said the Board of Education would have to approve any restoration of bus routes. Should the board approve the restoration of some routes, officials said it could take up to six weeks to survey affected families on whether they want bus service, allow potential reassigning of routes for drivers and give TARC drivers a chance to practice their routes. 

The Board of Education's next meeting is set for Jan. 28, 2025.