ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Public Schools is gearing up for the first day of class amid a continuing shortage of bus drivers.

District officials told News 6 they are currently short about 100 drivers, roughly the same as last year.

With about 550 drivers on staff, the district is using strategies like “double backs,” where a driver completes two runs for the same school to ensure every student who needs a ride gets one.

Evelyn Bell, a veteran bus driver and trainer for new drivers, shared what she would say to people considering joining her team.

“You definitely have to have patience and heart. It takes a lot of patience and consistency,” Bell said. “We offer the training for you and we can teach you to be a safe driver.”

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