The Massachusetts National Guard has completed its school transportation mission, the Baker-Polito Administration announced Monday, after nearly 15,000 student drop-offs and pick-ups.
From Sept. 14 – Nov. 5, more than 200 guard members drove thousands of routes, traveling over 300,000 miles around the commonwealth after local government officials requested assistance from Gov. Charlie Baker amid the national bus drivers shortage.
In response, the governor activated the National Guard and made up to 250 people available for transportation assistance. Now, about two months later, local schools districts are capable of meeting the need through civilian drivers, allowing the guard to concluded its mission.
“The Commonwealth is grateful to the men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard for answering the call and supporting the safe transportation of students in communities across Massachusetts,” Baker said in the announcement. “By working collaboratively with local districts who requested assistance, the Guard was able to provide critical school transportation support at a time when schools, students and families needed it most.”
In total, the guard provided school transportation support in 13 districts, including Brockton, Chelsea, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Quincy, Revere, Wachusett (regional), Woburn and Worcester.
“Time and again throughout its history, the Massachusetts National Guard has stepped up to serve the communities of our Commonwealth, and that has never been more true than during the last year and a half,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. “We appreciate the professionalism and dedication of the members of the guard who supported this mission, and thank them for their service.”
The final mission metrics, according to the state, are as follows:
- 236 Soldiers participated in the mission
- 14,626 student pick-ups and drop-offs
- 329,224 miles driven
- 3,002 total routes
- 13 total municipalities supported
In order to drive the routes, more than 190 members of the guard had to complete the driver’s certification process to operate transport vans, also known as 7D vehicles, the announcement explained. They also had to go through an orientation which included vehicle training, background screenings and a review of all health and safety measures.
In addition to the drivers, around 40 guard members also provided operational support for the mission.
The school bus driver shortage came after schools began to return to full-time, in-person education after more than a year of remote learning due to COVID-19.
___
© 2021 Advance Local Media LLC
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
