School District Turns to AI to Solve Bus Driver Shortage, Sees Positive Results

In 2023, the United States faced a significant decline in the number of bus drivers for K-12 schools, with a decrease of about 15.1% since 2019, leaving many students without reliable transportation.

The Shortage and its Consequences

Despite efforts to attract more candidates by providing training and higher salaries, districts such as Colorado Springs School District 11 struggled to fill their open bus driver positions. At the beginning of the school year, the district budgeted for approximately 110 bus drivers but could only hire around 60, resulting in a shortage of reliable transportation for students.

Utilizing AI Technology

To address the shortage, District 11 partnered with RouteWise AI, a rideshare company that developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology aimed at optimizing transportation routes. The AI technology analyzes various modes of transportation, including buses, sedans, and vans, to determine the most efficient routes for each school. According to Joanna McFarland, CEO of HopSkipDrive, the AI can create preliminary routes in a matter of hours and finalize them over a weekend, providing an effective and efficient solution to the transportation issue.

Implementation and Cost-Efficiency

With the adoption of the AI technology, District 11 now operates approximately 55 bus routes supplemented by rideshare services employing specially-trained drivers who undergo rigorous background checks. It is estimated that the cost for a school district equivalent in size to D-11 to utilize the AI tool would be around $50,000. Notably, the implementation of the AI software has resulted in savings of over half a million dollars for the district in the past year.

Positive Impact on Students and Savings

Parents and students have expressed appreciation for the AI-driven transportation service. One parent, Ezekiel Bossert, highlighted the convenience of receiving notifications when his son is picked up and dropped off, providing peace of mind. Meanwhile, his son, Dezmund, a 5th grader, emphasized the helpfulness of the service in ensuring reliable transportation home. District 11 reported a nearly 50% reduction in bus routes, improved on-time arrivals, and higher driver pay after utilizing the AI software for eight months.

Safeguarding Educational Opportunities

Superintendent Michael Gaal emphasized that the cost savings from the AI service enabled the preservation of teaching positions, potentially safeguarding the education of students. He expressed that without the AI-driven solution, the district could have faced significant challenges, impacting both transportation and educational opportunities for students.