School bus contractor says rising fuel costs could force her to stop driving
A school bus contractor in Tennessee warns that rising fuel costs are making it financially impossible to continue operations. She is currently seeking additional funding from the school board to cover the surge in diesel prices.
Why it matters
Rising fuel costs threaten the stability of essential public school transportation services, potentially impacting student access to education.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WSMV) - Gas is averaging over $4 a gallon in Tennessee this week, and diesel is above $6 a gallon. One school bus contractor said she may have to stop operating for good if conditions don’t change.
Sandra Davis has been driving school buses for 31 years.
“You do it for the kids. You do it because you love the kids,” Davis said.
In 2013, Davis and her husband became contractors, owning and operating buses for Rutherford County Public Schools.
Davis said high fuel costs have made money tight, leaving her and her husband living paycheck to paycheck.
“We just filled up for 5 buses. It was 1,980 dollars for 342 gallons,” Davis said. “You are broke. You max out your credit card and hope to get to the next pay period.”
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