YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -  The first day of classes got off to a rocky start in the Youngstown City School District on Tuesday.

The district had to scramble to find ways to transport kids to school without fifteen of the district's 83 buses available. 

District transportation director Derrick Cathey told 21 News that they only have three mechanics working to make sure the bus fleet is safe and able to pass inspection. He says say a bus shortage is making it tough for them to cover all the routes. 


"We're covering them the best we can, I have some van drivers out that's actually covering some of the students that's actually being missed," said Cathey. "We've got a bunch of buses that are still down," he said.

Denise Dick, a spokesperson for the district, said they were aware of the shortage heading into the school year and had made plans to borrow 12 buses from an outside provider, however that provider was only able to provide three, leading to the last-minute rush. 

Cathey says the schools had to enlist the help of vans to transport students in the morning, adding that parents can be assured that their children will have a ride home.

Hoping to have the situation rectified by Wednesday morning, Cathey says parents will get updates on the transportation situation through e-notices or via the district website: http://www.ycsd.org/

Bus drivers have also started doubling up on routes and will continue to do so until more buses are back on the road.

The district has ordered 20 new buses they expect to receive in October, with another 15-20 expected in the Spring.