School bus driver shortage prompts Massachusetts governor to activate the National Guard

Gov. Charlie Baker is activating up to 250 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to help with school transportation amid a widespread bus driver shortage.

The guard personnel will serve as drivers of “7D” vehicles, which are smaller school transport vans that can carry up to 10 students.

Members of the guard will begin training today (Tuesday) for work in Chelsea, Lawrence, Lowell, and Lynn, where shortages are the worst.

A recent survey found that nearly 80% of school districts nationwide were having trouble finding enough bus drivers to get kids to school.

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