HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Department of Education continues to see a lack of bus drivers for public school students.

Earlier this year, HIDOE temporarily suspended more than 100 bus routes, affecting nearly 3,000 students who signed up for bus transportation.

In hopes of tackling the shortage, Leeward Community College will introduce its new Bus Driver Training class in Jan. 2025.

According to the University of Hawaii, the class will help expand the Commercial Driver's License training initiatives to help address Hawaii's workforce gaps.

"By expanding our CDL training programs, we're not only helping alleviate the immediate bus driver shortage but also supporting Hawai'i's broader economic recovery and workforce needs," Michael Scully, Leeward CC commercial driver training coordinator explained.

Those who take the class will complete 80 hours of training. Participants should have their CDL School Bus permit before registering.

The program is sponsored by industry partnerships, with training buses donated by Ground Transport Inc.

While HIDOE has already reinstated many bus routes this school year, they are still in need of 87 additional drivers.

For more information on the program or to register, visit Leeward Community College's website.