New York City school bus drivers started their practice routes this week as they prepare for changes to keep children safe during the pandemic.

Michael Cordiello is president of the union that represents thousands of school bus drivers across the state. He says it has been "rough" for him and his employees since the pandemic started.

"It is a new world, and we are going to be learning as we go because there is no way to learn any other way in this situation," Cordiello says.

Each company the union works with submitted plans for how members will return to work.

Schools buses in the city haven't been used until practice routes began Monday. Those routes are still undergoing changes.

New mandates on buses include a 25% capacity restriction, daily disinfecting, masks for drivers and students and a new protocol for air circulation.

Cordiello says specialists advise drivers to run the front defrosters on high on the fresh air cycle and to open up the windows.

He says his union has been transporting children for two weeks on Long Island and hasn't had any issues.

He also says that his drivers will "work hand-in-hand" with parents "to ensure them that they are going to get a safe ride for their kids."