ENGAGE PGCPS: Back-to-School Bus Tools & Tips (08/25/25)
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Back-to-School: All About the Bus
Tuesday August 26 is the first day of school in PGCPS! Make sure you’re connected to ParentVUE to get started!
Know Your Bus Route
Log into ParentVUE for real-time access to bus route information. Postcards with route information were also mailed to families of fully enrolled students last week.
Know What to Expect
We are beginning the school year with a bus driver shortage, a challenge districts are facing nationwide. Every route will have a driver, but families should plan for delays in the first weeks of school.
Check Out New Transportation Tools!
See Routes That May Have Delays
The new route vacancy portal provides real-time bus route updates and information on open bus routes and expected delays.
NEW Chipmunk Bus Tracking App
We are rolling out a new bus tracking app called Chipmunk which offers:
- Real-time bus tracking
- Estimated arrival alerts
- Improved GPS accuracy
View the app rollout timeline.
Most families will continue to use StopFinder until their child’s route is phased into Chipmunk.
Bus Driver Recruitment and Staffing Highlights
Do you know someone who might be interested in becoming a bus driver?
Salary Incentives
- Bus Driver Trainees: Now $20/hr (up from $18)
- Substitute Bus Drivers: $22/hr (up from $20)
- Substitute Bus Attendants: $16.50/hr (up from $15.75)
Other Hiring Improvements
- Streamlined hiring and onboarding for new drivers while maintaining strict safety standards
- Doubling the size of the customer service team.
- Expanded use of contracted services and hiring non-CDL van drivers to fill route gaps.
Transportation Resources
- Transportation FAQs
- 2025 Back-to-School Transportation Checklist
Assistance Request Portal (for family support and help requests)