Missouri Central School Bus

St. Louis Public Schools students will be taken to school by school buses operated by First Student and a hodgepodge of 18 smaller vendors. The district’s emergency plan follows a decision by Missouri Central Bus Co. to terminate its contract last school year and permanently close two of its facilities in St. Louis.

In addition to ending its contract with St. Louis Public Schools, Missouri Central Bus Co. will close two city locations — terminating more than 300 full- and part-time workers.

School district leaders say they want to be prepared as bus driver shortages occur frequently, and usually without notice. They're also looking for new ways to partner with vendors in the community to help cover bus routes and get kids to school on time.