ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) has faced challenges this year when it comes to getting kids to school, with a reduction in its bus fleet. Now, the district is taking a local contractor to court. “It has been difficult, but the transportation department and our contractors have been able to cover these routes,” said Communications Director for APS, Martin Salazar.
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It’s been an uphill battle for APS this year when it comes to transportation due to driver shortages, and a reduction of buses from a legal dispute. “The situation with Hererra Buses, it has left us stretched thin,” Salazar said.
APS is suing local contractor, Herrera School Buses Inc. for failing to meet its contractual obligations. The district is trying to get back more than 60 buses from the company, or the monetary value equal to their cost- which is a little more than $1 million. The State of New Mexico finances bus purchases for companies that contract with school districts. The lawsuit comes after APS decided to not renew the contract with the company in June. It’s unclear why APS did not renew.
“The lack of fleet from Herrera and the routes that we have taken in-house, have put a strain on our district,” Salazar explained.
APS has three other bus contractors but said they’ve had to stretch all resources available to get kids to school. “Our families should not have seen a drop in service,” Salazar added.
Recruiting drivers has also been a problem. They’re looking to fill about 28 vacancies for driver positions. KRQE News 13 reached out to Herrera School Buses Inc. They declined to comment.
