The county doesn't have enough bus drivers to cover all routes. More than 130 drivers are still needed to man the fleet of 1,100 yellow buses that carry 90,000 riders every day.
The problem is the pay.
"It's just a job that people don't want to do, especially for $9.85 an hour," transportation director Beverly DeMott said. "Every day we have drivers calling up and saying, 'I'm not coming back.' "
The county isn't going to get help from the State for money for raises. Hillsborough started the year 200 teachers short to meet the class-size amendment that Jeb Bush hates so much.
If Florida had serious growth management this would not be happening. The lack of a state tax drives people to live here. More schools must be built. More teachers and bus drivers hired. Why Republicans think that less classrooms and low pay are great ideas is indefensible? It's all about vouchers to appease Christian base. Don't pay attention to Jeb's empty platitudes. Look at the results. They suck.
The county isn't off the hook either. Superintendent MaryEllen Elia is doing a lot of spinning about how Hillsborough is only short 200 teachers. Talk about lowering expectations.
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