VERMILION — Traffic near Sailorway Drive and surrounding streets was heavily congested Thursday morning as families adjusted to the district’s temporary suspension of school bus transportation for students in grades 9 through 12.
Around 7:05 a.m., traffic was backed up along Douglas Street from Route 60 to the south entrance of the elementary school, forcing many drivers: including those heading to the Senior Sunrise event at Sailor Stadium, to turn around and find alternate routes. Nearby roads, including Sanford Street, were also gridlocked, with delays stretching from Vermilion High School to Larchmont Drive.
It took approximately 20 additional minutes to reach Sailor Stadium and another 10 minutes to exit back onto Route 60, with drivers waiting through four traffic light cycles. The increased congestion likely resulted from hundreds of additional vehicles on the road following the district’s decision to pause high school busing.
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The district announced the suspension on August 4th, citing an ongoing shortage of qualified drivers. Superintendent David Hile said the district has already consolidated six routes over the past two years and has relied on mechanics and the transportation director to cover daily runs. After recent departures, the district now finds itself short three drivers and one substitute driver.
Officials are encouraging interested applicants to apply for bus driver positions. Applications are available at this link.
For now, families should plan for additional travel time when dropping off or picking up students.
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