JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Some Duval County parents waited nervously Wednesday morning to find out if their child’s bus would be on time after parents received messages Tuesday informing them that their child’s bus would be picking them up late due to a shortage of bus drivers because of COVID-19.
The message reads in part: “We apologize but we want to inform you that due to COVID-19 related shortage of drivers, several of our routes are running significantly behind schedule this afternoon. This is particularly true on the North, Northwest and Westsides of Jacksonville.”
DCPS said that while some buses were running late, students were safe and supervised while waiting for the bus at school on Tuesday afternoon.
On Tuesday, 36 buses were listed as being delayed, including several at Springfield Middle and nearby Jackson High School.
COVID-19 cases in Duval County are up significantly compared to before winter break. The seven-day positivity rate is 27%.
The delays came the same day the district and JTA launched a pilot program that would give free rides to Duval County middle and high school students. Parents can check JTA’s website for routes. And children must have a student ID or one issued by JTA to ride for free.
The district has a way for parents to check whether their child’s bus is delayed.
Delays greater than 30 minutes past the normal time are expected on the routes listed on the website.
Updates to possible delayed routes are made daily and as soon as the county is aware of the issue.
