Spring ISD : Spring ISD ZPass/Transportation Update

Press release from Spring Independent School District:

August 30, 2021

As we previously communicated, our Transportation department is committed to transporting students to and from school safely each day, despite the challenges we currently are facing amid an industry-wide bus driver shortage.

ZPass Bus Tracking System on Hold

As a result of the current staffing challenges and resulting route delays across the district, Spring ISD’s anticipated rollout of the new ZPass bus tracking system unfortunately must be put on hold until we can overcome current personnel shortages. However, students who have received their ZPass can continue to scan on and off the bus, which will help bus drivers verify that the student is on the correct bus. Once a new timetable for rollout can be determined, we will communicate that information to you.

Addressing Route Delays and Driver Shortage

Although bus driver recruitment is a year-round effort, we were still short drivers as we started this school year. This shortage, which is affecting districts nationwide, is resulting in longer wait times for buses as drivers are doubling and tripling their routes to meet the demands. Here’s what we are doing to address the current challenges:

• Every available licensed Transportation department employee is driving a bus route to ensure our students are provided with safe transportation to and from school.
• Transportation is working with the campus administrators to provide updates on transportation delays. 
• We are reaching out to schools to identify all CDL holders who can drive a school bus to help temporarily fill in the gaps.
• We are continuing to recruit, interview and hire bus drivers. Starting pay for bus drivers is $17.42 an hour. Spring ISD also offers paid training, flexible schedules and benefits. Individuals interested in becoming a Spring ISD bus driver can apply at springisd.org/careers.

Again, thank you for your patience as we work through these challenges, and we appreciate your understanding. We pledge to use every resource at our disposal to ensure safe ridership for all of our students.

This press release was produced by Spring Independent School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.