Driver shortage cancels two bus routes every day

What happened

In September 2026 the transportation coordinator said the district posts a schedule two weeks ahead that cancels two bus routes each day, on a rotating basis. More routes can be cancelled early in the morning when a driver calls in sick. Bus drivers earn about $22.73 an hour, while Albuquerque Public Schools advertises more than $25.

Why it matters to families

Families on a cancelled route must find another way to get children to school, and alerts go out district-wide, not just to the affected route. The board said it backs raises for drivers, and new drivers were in training. The district said it will not use drivers who are not qualified.

The evidence

September 15, 2026 recording: "I have the next two weeks of our cancellations posted and it's ... two buses per day," plus "unplanned cancellations" at "4:30 in the morning"; driver pay "2273 an hour" versus APS "25 plus." The October 20 meeting said transportation had been "a little tough the last couple weeks."

The source