TRENTON - NJ Sen. Vince Polistina’s (R-02) bill to address the shortage of school bus drivers in New Jersey by allowing drivers with a Type S School Bus certificate to transport children to and from school has been signed by Gov. Phil Murphy.
"Like many other states, New Jersey has dealt with a critical school bus driver shortage since the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Although the Motor Vehicle Commission has taken steps to alleviate this shortage, we must continue to address the negative impacts of driver supply and demand," Polistina said in a release. "This legislation will create a pathway for eligible drivers to become certified to operate Type S school vehicles, thereby freeing up CDL drivers to operate traditional school buses and improving school transportation in the Garden State."
Currently, only drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) may operate a school vehicle. In addition to obtaining a CDL, drivers must meet certain requirements including being at least 21 years of age, have a basic New Jersey driver’s license, have good vision, and obtain both passenger and school bus endorsements on their CDL.
Polistina's bill, A-2180/S-3000, would create a Type S Bus Certificate to permit eligible drivers to operate a Type S school vehicle without obtaining a CDL or endorsements. To obtain this certificate, eligible drivers would be required to meet certain age and physical requirements as outlined in the bill. Type S buses are smaller vehicles that can transport up to nine passengers.
You can read the full bill here.
