 Earlier this week we told you about a shortage of bus drivers in Bemidji and how the school district may need to cut or delay routes. Josh Peterson spoke with the district's transportation office and shows us how they are recruiting drivers. The wheels on the bus go round and round. However, in Bemidji, some buses may sit idle if the district can't hire any new substitute drivers. The need for drivers has grown so much that mechanics and management have had to take the wheel to get students from point A to point B. Last year I drove seven times the entire school year. Yesterday was my 46th time driving bus and management has had to fill in management and mechanics, you know, so when the mechanics are filling in driving bus we're not keeping up with our maintenance. The need for drivers has always been present but has grown significantly over the past few months. The doors are always open for anyone that's interested in driving a bus, however there may be an intimidation factor that may make some drivers feel apprehensive. Like transporting a bus that's filled with 71 students. What if you have misbehavior? Are you going to have, yes, there is, but what degree, you know, the ones that I've driven lately, I'm sorry, but they get on, they say good morning, they sit down, we drive to school, life is good. For those who currently drive a bus, they say it's enjoyable and for those interested, you gotta love kids. I get a big kick out of driving the school bus, not only the kids, I mean you get really attached to these kids when you drive them around. For those who have no background or education in driving a large vehicle, drivers here say don't worry because the district provides you with everything you need. First thing you have to do is go talk to somebody at transportation, give them a call, stop them, they'll be very open about everything you need to do. For Bemidji area schools, time is of the essence. If shifts are not filled soon, the district says delays or cuts in routes, activity buses and field trips could be made if drivers are not hired soon. In Bemidji, Josh Peterson, Licklin News. And if you'd like more information about becoming a bus driver, we have posted a link on our website at lptv.org backslash news.