Continue Driving for Seattle Public Schools with Zūm
Your Opportunity. Your Seniority. Your Future.
Seattle Public Schools has selected Zum to provide mobility for most district routes during the upcoming school year. We're excited to welcome experienced school bus drivers to our growing Seattle team. If you're a former First Student driver, July 31 is an important deadline. Drivers who apply by July 31 can maintain their seniority, a valuable benefit that can affect route selection, job security and other employment opportunities. If you've already received a Zum offer letter, we encourage you to sign it as soon as possible. Training begins soon, and available positions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
School bus drivers who are unable to attend Friday's Grand Opening are encouraged to join Zum at one of two additional hiring events on Tuesday, August 4, or Wednesday, August 5, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle North Lynnwood. Prospective applicants will have the opportunity to learn more about careers with Zum, interview on-site, and begin the hiring process.
WHY SEATTLE DRIVERS CHOOSE ZUM
We respect and support our drivers and monitors. Zum drivers earn competitive wages, along with exceptional benefits and career growth opportunities. Our competitive packages have made Zum the nation’s leading school mobility provider and has allowed us to attract and hire thousands of drivers and monitors who want to be part of our team. These new drivers and monitors are coming to Zum for a reason — they like the way Zum treats them, and know that they are valued.
- Competitive wages and benefits, subject to ongoing collective bargaining.
- Protect Your Seniority: Apply by July 31 to maintain your seniority.
- Modern Equipment: More than 100 new buses joining our Seattle fleet this year.
- Industry-leading driver technology designed to support drivers and simplify daily operations.
- Your SERS (School Employees' Retirement System) equivalent coverage and eligibility will continue.
- Two Convenient Locations: North Yard in Ballard and South Yard serving South Seattle.
Zum serves students and families with 279 routes throughout North and South Seattle.
WHAT DRIVERS ASK
Why is July 31 so important?
Former First Student drivers who apply by July 31 can retain their seniority under the collective bargaining agreement. Seniority affects important workplace benefits such as route selection, layoff protection and other opportunities available under the agreement.
I’ve already received my Zum offer. When do I need to sign it?
Please sign your offer as soon as possible.
Available positions are being filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Waiting could mean missing an opportunity before school begins.
Why should I join Zum now?
Transitioning to Zum includes training on our technology and operating procedures. Signing your offer sooner allows you to complete training before the school year begins and make a smoother transition.
Will I keep Seniority and Retirement Benefits?
Yes. Former First Student drivers who apply by July 31 can retain their seniority under the collective bargaining agreement.
What makes Zum different?
Zum combines experienced professional drivers with modern technology and a growing fleet.
Drivers will work with industry-leading driver technology, and Seattle’s fleet is expanding with more than 100 new buses this year.
Does Zum have a North Yard?
Yes.
Zum operates both a South Yard and a North Yard located in Ballard, making commuting more convenient for many drivers living in North Seattle.
Is Zum still hiring?
Yes. Zum is actively hiring experienced school bus drivers to prepare for the upcoming school year.
If you know any qualified drivers who have not yet applied to work for Zum in Seattle Public Schools, please send them this link to apply:
If you have any questions, contact Rachael Ko today at driveseattle@ridezum.com
Still Deciding?
Have questions before making your decision?
Contact Rachael Ko today at driveseattle@ridezum.com
TESTIMONIALS
Meet the Drivers - KK
Tell us about your work as a school bus driver in Seattle.
I was certified in 2020. I have two kids, and my daughter was about six at the time. Because her school was a couple blocks away, she decided if I became a bus driver, then I could drive her on the school bus, and she’d be with me every day. (Laughs)
During my training, she was like, “Mom, can I help you study?” She’s trying to help and learning all these terms. It was really touching for me, and I was just like, OK, now I really have to do this for her. Once I became certified, I realized that the districts were different and I wouldn’t be her school bus driver, but she was OK with it. I’ve been with Zum since 2023.
What do you like about your job?
The kids are amazing. They say good morning to me, they say thank you as they’re getting off the bus, and they’re really respectful. One time one of the students, Max, saw me at the park. He just came up and was like, “Hey, Miss KK!” They will talk to me, and I’ll get to know them.
What’s a typical morning for you?
I get up at about five o ‘clock – I have two cats along with my two kids – and I get to work about six o’clock. I’m excited to do my route, and I’m excited to see my students every day, so it’s easier for me to get up and come to work because I love what I’m doing. Seeing all the students and their smiles and the laughter that they have … it brings joy.
What do you like about working with Zum?
All of the people – the dispatchers, everybody – work together. They understand stuff that I’m going through and, having my two kids at home, they are more understanding and appreciative for certain things I do. I actually never had an award before; I got one last year. It shows that they pay attention to what drivers do. It just became like another sort of a family, to the point where I just love to go to work. And obviously all the kids and the parents think you’re a really special person.
Do you have a special approach to your job?
I treat the kids like I would treat my own kids. And I am happy all the time. I don’t think the kids have ever seen me upset, ’cause it takes too much time to be upset about things in life.
The kids are precious cargo to me, and I keep them safe. That’s what I always call them – I mean, I’ve never told them that, but I just keep it in my mind. My precious cargo.
Meet the Drivers - Teddy
Tell us about your work driving students in Spokane Public Schools.
I’m a retired business owner and a former high school teacher and coach. After the pandemic, I saw (“Drivers Wanted”) signs all over. So I signed up and got my CDL. All the kids I used to teach and coach, they’re your family. And I got that family atmosphere back by driving a bus.
Take us through a typical day.
Normally, I get into work about 6, and I’m on the road a little before 7. I start out with picking up some special needs kids, then I get into my elementary route where I pick up about 35 kids. From there, I pick up my middle school route and take them to school. Then, in what we call a midday, I pick up one special needs kid, and I use a van for that. In the afternoon, I reverse my route: take the special needs kids home, then I go to my elementary school and take them home, go to my middle school and take them home.
A lot of times afterward, I’ll take a team to a game. I have one high school football team I deal with all the time. I take them to their games, and then I’ll take a junior ROTC group to their meets. Another school’s dance team does a competition and they request me now. … Then this spring, a high school baseball team requested me, so I go and do their games.
Wow!
It’s fun, I feel good, and they like to have me around. Being an old coach, I know the last thing you want to worry about is a dang bus. And one thing I do is, when I take them to a game, I watch the game. I support them. I want them to visibly see me there, and I think that makes a huge difference.
How has technology impacted your job?
Well, it’s far better than having a piece of paper. I really like using the tablets. It’s great for checking in my everyday route and making sure kids get off the bus. For these sports trips, especially if I go out of town, the GPS really helps a lot.
What have you learned as a driver?
You know, I was hard on kids when I coached, I was. But you interact with them in different ways, and you build a relationship. I think the time spent building a relationship is really, really important. I like the kids a lot. They look forward to seeing me, and I look forward to seeing them.