VNG is working with municipalities to find solutions to the shortage of drivers in student transport.
The taxi company we are visiting is buzzing with activity. The company is facing a major challenge: transporting 500 children to a location, within a tight time frame, with a shortage of drivers. In the central control room, company manager Martijn de Graaf and his team stand in front of the board on which the routes are set out. The tension is palpable, but De Graaf exudes calm. He has a plan.
“It’s certainly not an easy task,” says De Graaf as he looks at the routes again. “We have to get 500 children to their destination on time with a shortage of drivers and the limitation of a maximum of eight children per bus. But with the right approach we can solve this.”
flexibility
The company has drawn up a plan to keep transport running as smoothly as possible, despite the pressure caused by the driver shortage. De Graaf explains that the key lies in cooperation and flexibility. “We first asked our current drivers to work extra hours. Many of them are open to flexible schedules and have indicated that they are prepared to help out at peak times. That already saves us a lot of stress.”
In addition, the company approached retired drivers who previously worked for us. “We were lucky that there were still a number of experienced workers available who were happy to drive a few more trips,” says De Graaf. “They know the routes and know how to work efficiently. That gives confidence.”
route planning
One of the most important strategies used to reduce the number of drivers needed is route optimization. For this, we use software from a company in Eindhoven. “We have grouped the children based on their residential area. This allows us to pick up multiple children from the same neighborhood per trip, which not only saves time but also reduces the number of trips,” says De Graaf with a smile. He points to the screen that shows the planned routes in real time.
“We also make use of their route planning software which helps us determine the most efficient routes, which allows us to avoid traffic jams. It may sound simple, but it ensures that we make the most of every minute. In this way, we can achieve our target even with a limited number of drivers and vans.”
cooperation with parents
In addition to the use of retired drivers and route planning, the taxi company is also working with parents and local residents. “We have called on parents with a driver’s license to volunteer. For those who live in the same neighborhood, we have set up carpool groups. This allows them to bring their children and those of others to the location themselves,” says De Graaf.
He emphasizes that the reactions are positive. “Many parents are willing to help. They understand that this is for the well-being of their children and that in this way we can relieve the pressure on our drivers.”
To motivate his drivers to work extra during this busy period, De Graaf has decided to offer financial incentives. “We have decided to pay bonuses to drivers who make extra trips. In addition, we offer flexible working hours, which allows them to better combine their work with their private life. These kinds of measures make all the difference when you are dealing with a shortage of staff.”
Safety
Despite the creative solutions, safety remains paramount. De Graaf says that all drivers deployed are fully qualified and that strict protocols are followed. “We will not make any concessions when it comes to the safety of the children. All our vans are checked regularly and our drivers are trained in emergency situations.”
With a confident look, De Graaf concludes: “This may be a complex situation, but by thinking creatively and working together smartly, we will get through this. We see this as a learning moment. In the future, we will probably have to deal with these kinds of challenges more often. By taking the right steps now, we can deal with this more efficiently later.”
While the final touches are being put to the planning and communication to parents and children is being taken care of, De Graaf gives one final message: “We will ensure that every child arrives on time and safely at the location, driver shortage or not.”
The Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) is working hard to improve student transport in the Netherlands. Together with municipalities, national parties and other stakeholders, the VNG has developed a new model regulation, written guidelines and organised webinars.
Despite these good examples, student transport in the Netherlands continues to face challenges. The VNG acknowledges that the national driver shortage is a major obstacle for many municipalities.
These initiatives have not only raised awareness, but have also led to targeted actions within municipalities to make the transport of pupils to schools run more smoothly. However, challenges remain, especially due to the ongoing driver shortage.
practical examples
Several municipalities are actively working on improving student transport by introducing innovative solutions. Valkenswaard is an example of a municipality that emphasizes the self-reliance of students. They have entered into discussions with parents to look at alternatives to traditional taxi transport, according to the municipality's reporting. For example, they offer e-bikes for students who can cycle independently. In this way, they reduce the pressure on transport and we stimulate the self-reliance of the students.
Although this approach is positively received in Valkenswaard, the municipality acknowledges that traditional taxi transport is still important for pupils who cannot travel independently. The shortage of drivers is a problem, but they are working together with other parties to make structural improvements. For example, regional working groups have been set up to solve bottlenecks in pupil transport and adjustments are being made to school hours to better distribute transport. If schools adjust their start times, they can reduce peak traffic for drivers and use the available capacity more efficiently.
Other municipalities such as Velsen and Haarlem have found other innovative solutions. In Velsen, the municipality uses volunteers to bring pupils to school. In addition, a sounding board group has been set up in Haarlem in which parents, schools and transporters regularly meet. This group discusses problems and possible solutions to improve pupil transport.
improvements
Despite this good examples student transport in the Netherlands continues to face challenges. The VNG acknowledges that the national driver shortage is a major obstacle for many municipalities. This is particularly problematic in rural areas, where distances are greater and there are fewer alternatives available.
