School bus Coverage

Five students jumped from back of moving school bus, 1 Parkland student died, Winston-Salem officials say

Authorities confirmed four other students jumped from the back of the moving school bus the same afternoon as the student who died.

WXII

Harnett County bus driver helps kids to safety during fire

Monica Tyson-Crawford was sitting in the driver's seat as the right driver at the right place and the right time to get 38 kids off the bus, and to safety.

School bus driver saved students' lives in Harnett County

No children were injured when a school bus headed to Benhaven Elementary School caught fire Tuesday with kids on board.

Raw: School bus goes up in flames outside Harnett County elementary school

School bus goes up in flames outside Harnett County elementary school (Video: Britt Albright on Facebook)

A hero: NC school bus driver got 38 children off bus before it burst into flames

A Harnett County Schools bus driver got all students on board to leave her bus Tuesday just minutes before it burst into flames on the way to Benhaven Elementary.

Eric Miller, WRAL anchor/reporter

Sky 5 flies over crash involving school bus in Moore County

Sky 5 is flying over a crash involving a school bus on NC Highway 24/27 near Ruth Road in Moore County.

Editorial: Pedal to the metal. Accelerate transition to electric school buses

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 -- Electric power for school buses is ideal - for reliability, maintenance and efficient use of resources - both natural and from taxpayers. As the legislature continues its work on the state budget, making provisions to increase the fleet of electric-powered buses is an easy choice, support local industry and must be a top priority.

NC schools adding more electric buses

More North Carolina school districts, particularly in rural counties, are replacing diesel buses with electric models thanks to federal and state funding to help reduce emissions and air pollution exposure for kids.

North Carolina schools are embracing electric buses

More North Carolina school districts, particularly in rural counties, are replacing diesel buses with electric models thanks to federal and state funding to help reduce emissions and air pollution exposure for kids.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

Bus driver shortage to be eased by $1K bonus

The Wake County Public School System is facing a bus driver shortage, which is impacting students and families.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

Loophole allows would-be school bus drivers to get free training, leave for higher-paying jobs

Some people are taking advantage of a loophole to get a free CDL and then leaving for higher-paying jobs.

Sarah Krueger, WRAL investigative reporter

Wake schools will give $1k more in bus driver bonuses, discuss long-term busing solutions

About one-third of the county's school bus driver positions remain vacant, and more than 3,000 students are arriving at school late every day because of the shortage.

Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL education reporter

Desperate search for school bus drivers: WRAL Investigates why efforts to keep drivers fail

There is a desperate search for school bus drivers. WRAL Investigates why efforts to recruit, train and keep drivers fail. Plus, learn about the loophole that leaves taxpayers paying the bill for a driver's free education, even if they quit for higher-paying jobs.

Durham schools start year with all bus routes covered, some teacher vacancies

Durham Public Schools are in a much better staffing position than they were this time last year - but they're still facing some vacancies.

Wake County sees some bus delays up to 45 minutes on first day of school

One bus to South Garner High School was delayed by one hour, and two buses had mechanical issues, causing delays up to 40 minutes.

WRAL staff

Wake school bus delays reported on first day of school

Many Wake County parents are waiting to see how the new extended bus routes will work - with many concerned their students will either arrive to school way too early or too late.

Wake leaders emphasize alertness for drivers around buses as school year begins

In 2022, 786 people were involved in school bus accidents. Eight people were killed, including a child, which is why leaders gathered to remind drivers to be vigilant and alert as students return to the classrooms.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

School leaders ask drivers to slow down, be aware around school buses

Leaders gathered to remind drivers to be vigilant and alert around school buses as students return to the classrooms.

Bus driver shortage means thousands will have longer rides

Just over 200 students could be on the bus for as long as 40 minutes in some cases. WRAL News spoke with one parent who says the new routes are unacceptable.

As school year approaches, new bus routes put strain on parents

With eight days until the 2023-2024 school year starts in Wake County, WRAL News spoke with one parent who's concerned that newly approved bus routes will affect the learning of his son and other students in the county.

Lora Lavigne, WRAL anchor/reporter

'Nowhere else to go': All Wake school bus routes covered, but some students will be late

The Wake County Public School System likely needs to hire 20 to 30 new bus drivers -- and have no turnover -- to get everyone to school on time.

Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL education reporter

NC school districts struggling with school bus driver shortages

Several school districts in the Triangle are facing a shortage of bus drivers, with Wake County Public Schools needing 17 drivers, Durham Public Schools needing 5 full-time drivers, and Cumberland County Schools being 17 drivers short.

Triangle school districts make desperate plea: Bus drivers needed for start of school year

Several school districts in the Triangle are facing a shortage of bus drivers, with Wake County Public Schools needing 17 drivers, Durham Public Schools needing 5 full-time drivers, and Cumberland County Schools being 17 drivers short.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

Some Wake schools won't have regular bus service to start the year; school board members call it 'unacceptable'

Amid a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers, the Wake County Public School System is planning fewer bus routes and expecting fewer bus drivers. School board members want a different approach.

Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL education reporter

Wake County year-round schools begin, parents hope bus driver shorter has eased

Tuesday marked the first day of school for 30,000 year round students in Wake County.