FAIRMONT — The Fairmont school system has used Minnesota Motor Bus for its transportation needs and the relationship has been positive, but a driver shortage does raise some concerns.

Some topics that have been brought up pertain to academic concerns and safety and employee opportunities. Last year the bus situation was difficult but some factors should ease the burden this spring.

Fairmont High School Athletic Director Mat Mahoney elaborated.

“As of right now, it should be better this year,” Mahoney said. “A lot of it has to do with where the meets and events are held, if they are far away that plays into it, but we have more events closer to the school this year compared to last year.”

The expansion of the athletic programs as well as the increased interest from the students to get involved with events has led to more strain on the transportation system.

Fairmont has been using Minnesota Motor Bus Inc. for a few years now and the service and relationship has been overwhelmingly positive within their means.

“Our district is contracted with Minnesota Motor Bus and they have done a great job,” Mahoney said. “At the end of the day they simply don’t have enough drivers and that isn’t totally in their control.”

Sticking with the topic of needing drivers, the school has made the sentiment that if anyone qualified is interested in a position and willing to complete the training, there are plenty of opportunities.

One of the other concerns raised about the strung out bus drivers is the impact it may have on academics. Last year the track team for example had to travel to road meets sometimes multiple hours before the end of the school day.

“I don’t think it is affecting our academics that much,” Mahoney said. “The athletes know the standard they are held to academically in order to compete and we haven’t had an issue with grades.”

On the other side of things, coaches are not always teachers and sometimes have to get time off of work or leave their jobs early in order to get to events. Some questions were raised as to how much they can be accommodated.

“They do what it takes to get kids up there,” Mahoney said. “We also provide a school vehicle for these events that leaves a bit later, so that hasn’t been a big issue so far.”

With the driver shortage, things can be hectic. The school system and bus company hope to hire new drivers to ease the strain this issue has caused in past years.