Chicago Public Schools Recognizes National School Bus Safety Week
16 October 2023
Amid a nationwide shortage of bus drivers, CPS continues to recruit drivers with the assistance of District vendors
CHICAGO – With thousands of students traveling by bus every day to and from school and for school events, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is joining school districts across the nation to celebrate National School Bus Safety Week.
National School Bus Safety Week, which has its origins in a 1969 letter writing campaign to President Richard Nixon, is observed annually during the third week of October.
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Quick Facts about CPS Transportation as of October 10, 2023
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“National School Bus Safety Week is a time when we recalibrate and continue to raise awareness regarding the policies and procedures created to keep our students safe,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Our school communities expect us to ensure our students are top of mind when it comes to safety. This week — and every other — we’re committed to student safety.”
CPS remains committed to continuing to work with vendors, City partners and families to identify solutions and ensure every eligible student has safe, secure, and reliable transportation to and from school.
CPS had more requests for transportation services this year than prior years. The District has also seen a large increase in the number of Diverse Learners, up more than 2,500 students this year (2023-24) from the previous school year (2022-23). As of October 10, 2023, CPS has successfully routed 8,105 students with an additional 5,350 students taking advantage of the District’s offer to accept a financial incentive or use a paid Ventra card in lieu of school bus transportation.
In order to match the need of students requesting transportation, the District in the past couple of years, has expanded contracts to 13 bus companies that each handle hiring. Bus driver resumes can also be sent to a CPS email, driver@cps.edu, and the District’s Transportation Department will disburse resumes to companies.
Consuela Brown has been a driver with District vendor Ammons Transportation for the past 18 years. She says she has always wanted to become a driver.
“Driving is my dream job. I love going to different places, seeing different things and interacting with the kids,” said Brown. “Sometimes they make my day and sometimes I make theirs. They depend on me to get to school.”
The District continues to work with community partners and vendors to hold hiring fairs and staff booths at local events:
- 10/21 - Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Rd.
- 10/21 - Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
- 10/25 - West Lawn Park job fair; 4233 W. 65th St.
- 10/26 - CPS School Job Fairs
- Higgins Community Academy; 11710 S. Morgan St.
- Marquette School; 6550 S. Richmond
- Jamieson Elementary; 5650 N. Mozart St.
- Theophilus Schmid School; 9755 S. Greenwood
- Cesar Chavez Elementary; 4747 S. Marshfield Ave.
- 10/26 - CBO Collective Fair; 3605 W. Fillmore St.
- 10/28 - Olive Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn
- 10/28 - Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett Ave.
“We understand how crucial safe transportation is for our students, and we’re committed to working with dedicated drivers who share this vision,” said CPS Chief Operating Officer Charles Mayfield. “The drivers who are working for our District vendors are well aware of their responsibilities and take safety very seriously.”
For more information regarding CPS transportation services, visit the District’s website.