Parents complaining of CMS bus problems for third straight day

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Frustrated parents are still calling Channel 9, asking why Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is struggling to clear up transportation problems.

Wednesday was the third day of school and one mother, Kelley Hazlett, told Eyewitness News the bus still hasn't shown up to pick up her kids.

"They are literally standing out there two-and-a-half hours waiting for the bus," Hazlett said.

She's even more upset they're waiting on a road without sidewalks with a speed limit of 45 mph.

"As a mom, it's scary," Hazlett said.

She said each time she's called CMS, she's been put on hold. Hazlett said she has not experienced these delays or lack of communication in the past.

"It is the worst it's ever been," she said.

For Danielle Gaus, this is the first year her daughter has started school without a bus assignment.

"Her father and I are working out transportation. We are both often late to work," Gaus said.

Eyewitness News asked CMS about the ongoing issues. A spokesperson sent the following statement:

"Our CMS transportation folks are continuing to work to improve the pick and delivery of our students daily, as you can imagine, it is a process. The district's transportation goal is to pick and deliver each and every student on time daily. With a district of 125,000 students and more than 1,000 school buses daily, this is a work in progress, given this is only day three."

Not all parents are having problems. Krystal Jennings said her kindergartner has been picked up on time.

"It's been a very smooth ride for us," Jennings said.

Hazlett is trying to be understanding.

"We get it, schools just starting," Hazlett said.

She just wishes CMS could work out the kinks faster.

"It's day three and my son has already missed math class three times. How is he supposed to get on track? she asked.

The district started school with 90 driver vacancies.

Channel 9 has been reporting on transportation concerns since the first day of school.

On Monday, the last bus dropped off students at 8:09 p.m.

On Tuesday, the final students were dropped off at 7:30 p.m.
 
A spokesperson sent a list of things parents can do to help.

We thank our parents for their patience and working with their children to ensure:

• Children are aware of the correct school bus to board
• Familiar with their pick up locations
• Familiar with their after school bus stops
• Correct and updated parental contact information is provided to the school

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