The national shortage of school bus drivers does not spare the Centre-Val de Loire region. So far, nearly 250 drivers of the 2,500 missing in the region. “It is a difficult job. We are struggling to replace retiring staff. In addition, with the closure of training centers during the various confinements, it is impossible to train new drivers.“, explains Gilles Lefebvre, the regional president of the National Federation of Passenger Transport (FNTV). Result: some school trips may not be insured, and the return to school becomes more complicated. Faced with the risk of not being able to carry out their mission, some companies in the sector are choosing to reorganize in anticipation of the month of September.
Recruit as soon as possible
At Kéolis Touraine, 7 coach drivers out of 50 are missing in Indre. It’s 10% at Transports Moreau, at Le Blanc. A situation that worry professionals and which requires them to find solutions quickly. Open days in partnership with Pôle emploi, information meetings, announcements on social networks… all techniques are good for recruit as soon as possible. “Some managers, who usually do not provide the school transport service, will take the wheel”, says Matthieu Drean, operational director at Kéolis Touraine. Faced with the crisis, several companies have also created recruitment positions.
Long term solutions
But to alleviate the shortage, measures must be taken over time. This year, a branch agreement has already been signed for raise salaries by 5% drivers. To improve the attractiveness of the profession, representatives of the sector say they are thinking about working hours. “Staggering the hours of departure from the establishments would allow a bus to serve several establishments, which would increase the hourly volume of the drivers and therefore their remuneration. It would also make up for the shortage“, estimates the regional president of the FNTV. A “long-term work“, which would require agreements with the Rectorate and the schools.