Early risers

When the sun rises on the first day of a new school year, bus drivers have already been up for a long time. Such was the scene at the First Student bus garage as drivers prepared to pick up students in the Newport School District Thursday, Aug. 28. According to location manager Aaron Hutchins, NSD bus drivers travel an average of 900 miles per day in a school week.

Miner Photos by Sophia Aldous

According to Hutchins, First Student Newport has 11 drivers plus two that are near the completion of their training. Ideally, Hutchins said he would like 15 drivers so the bus garage could send people to help at sister locations in Chattaroy, Colville and Nine Mile Falls if the need arises.

Casey Bulling does a walkthrough on his bus.

Left: Tammy Long walks around her bus checking the tire pressure. Bus drivers are required to do routine checks of their bus every morning for safety and maintenance before departing on their routes.

Upload date: 09/03/2025 06:00 AM

Views: 112