LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Aug. 8 will be the first roll out since magnet and traditional bus service was cut to many Jefferson County Public Schools.
Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said TARC is still on track to send 70 drivers to drive JCPS buses, but the possibility of services being restored won't happen until he knows how many drivers actually come.
"We cannot say we're going to add back services and then only have 30 or 40 of those drivers," he said.
If all 70 TARC drivers take jobs, service will be restored to the 7:30 a.m. magnet/traditional depots.
But TARC drivers won't be able to begin those routes until the third week of school.
"It would be nearly impossible to add back two depots and to be ready for the first day of school," the superintendent said. "So that's something that just wouldn't be possible but we would like to be able to tell some kids that in two to three weeks you will have services back."
The district currently has 544 bus drivers and would need more than 700 drivers to fully restore service.
So far, the JCPS transportation department has reported 65% of routes for the upcoming school year have been completed.
"I do feel very positive about all this work and planning that's going on and I'm very hopeful," said Linda Duncan, board member of JCPS District 5.
RELATED: JCPS parents sue district over bus transportation cuts, claim students' civil rights are violated
TARC drivers will begin training with JCPS as early as July 8.
JCPS has hired a traffic coordinator to make sure car lines run smoothly since there will be more students as car riders this year.
Pollio said even though 70 more drivers are expected to come on board, it doesn't mean there won't be any challenges on the first day of school.
"It's always going to be difficult and challenging and there is going to be delays it will be better because obviously we only have the depot at the first time," he said.
Restored services will be given to students in need the most, starting in JCPS' District 1.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.