FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) – A nationwide bus driver shortage continues to hit close to home.

The Journal-Gazette reports that Southwest Allen County Schools is still 7 drivers short of staffing a full fleet, resulting in route cancellations.

Over the summer, SACS altered the pay structure for drivers to an hourly rate, starting at $21.

The district thinks the biggest hurdle is the hours — it’s hard to get someone to work early in the morning and then in the mid-afternoon.

SACS also noted the hiring rate of applicants since last March is just 18%, which is similar to other districts of similar sizes around the area.