Slowing Economy Means Many Seek To Be Bus, Truck Drivers
Officials Say School Bus Industry Reaping Benefits From Downturn
Updated: 7:14 am CST March 3, 2009
DEFOREST, Wis. -- While the nation's sputtering economy and the ongoing recession continue to take a toll on jobs, the transportation industry in the Madison area is one seeing unprecedented growth. 
VIDEO: Watch The ReportTraditionally, companies seeking truck or bus drivers have had a tough time finding quality workers. However, the layoffs of quality people throughout other segments of the economy are reversing the trend, WISC-TV reported.While there are many parts of the transportation industry that are doing well, the biggest turnaround seems to be coming from the school bus industry, where finding quality drivers used to be a thing of the past, WISC-TV reported.New driver Ron Reynolds is just days away from becoming an official school bus driver. Tough economic times have brought him to this driver's seat. Until recently, he was unemployed."I had my own business and in June last year, that didn't do too well and I've had several jobs since then," Reynolds said. "This hopes to be the right one."Laurie Keegan-Leavy, who is the manager of First Student, a company that charters school buses, said she has a stack of applications full of very well qualified people -- people who are victims of the slowing economy and people that would normally not even think about becoming a bus driver."This is the first time in 15 years that this unit, DeForest, has been able to get enough folks," she said. "We're running a full boat right now -- first time ever in 15 years."Jerry Klabacka, director of Diesel Truck Driving School, said that classes at the school are full."I think (there are) more drivers available today than there has been in the last 15 or 20 years," he said.He said that the transportation and freight industry is slowing, but it's still hiring."It is recession-proof in the standpoint that it always needs people," he said. "However, when production goes down in this country so does freight."There will always be students, which is why First Student is reaping the benefits. More, quality workers are available than ever before, officials said."Folks are looking for something to get them through until the economy picks up," Keegan-Leavy said.People like Reynolds, starting over to survive these tough times."Hopefully,.everything goes that way, in that direction," Reynolds said.Officials with the school bus industry said that they're also seeing an increase in charters. Since school busses are traditionally the least expensive option when looking for transporting people. With more drivers out there looking for work, many companies have been able to expand their charter services to meet demand, WISC-TV reported.Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportTraditionally, companies seeking truck or bus drivers have had a tough time finding quality workers. However, the layoffs of quality people throughout other segments of the economy are reversing the trend, WISC-TV reported.While there are many parts of the transportation industry that are doing well, the biggest turnaround seems to be coming from the school bus industry, where finding quality drivers used to be a thing of the past, WISC-TV reported.New driver Ron Reynolds is just days away from becoming an official school bus driver. Tough economic times have brought him to this driver's seat. Until recently, he was unemployed."I had my own business and in June last year, that didn't do too well and I've had several jobs since then," Reynolds said. "This hopes to be the right one."Laurie Keegan-Leavy, who is the manager of First Student, a company that charters school buses, said she has a stack of applications full of very well qualified people -- people who are victims of the slowing economy and people that would normally not even think about becoming a bus driver."This is the first time in 15 years that this unit, DeForest, has been able to get enough folks," she said. "We're running a full boat right now -- first time ever in 15 years."Jerry Klabacka, director of Diesel Truck Driving School, said that classes at the school are full."I think (there are) more drivers available today than there has been in the last 15 or 20 years," he said.He said that the transportation and freight industry is slowing, but it's still hiring."It is recession-proof in the standpoint that it always needs people," he said. "However, when production goes down in this country so does freight."There will always be students, which is why First Student is reaping the benefits. More, quality workers are available than ever before, officials said."Folks are looking for something to get them through until the economy picks up," Keegan-Leavy said.People like Reynolds, starting over to survive these tough times."Hopefully,.everything goes that way, in that direction," Reynolds said.Officials with the school bus industry said that they're also seeing an increase in charters. Since school busses are traditionally the least expensive option when looking for transporting people. With more drivers out there looking for work, many companies have been able to expand their charter services to meet demand, WISC-TV reported.Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage. Copyright 2009 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
