Worcester County Public School system officials addressed concerns this week about bus crowding during the first two weeks of the 2024-25 academic year.
WCPS students are pictured getting off of buses.
File photo courtesy Worcester County Public Schools
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
The Worcester County public school system addressed concerns this week about bus crowding during the first two weeks of school.
The Worcester County Public Schools transportation system is experiencing changes in the wake of Fiscal Year 2025’s budget cuts and a last-minute bus driver retirement, according to WCPS Coordinator of Public Relations and Special Programs Carrie Sterrs.
With fewer students riding the bus to and from school since the pandemic, adjustments to routes and pickup and arrival times have been made. Though early school year issues are common as students and bus drivers settle in, many parents have taken to social media since last Tuesday’s start to express concerns about high school students forced to sit three to a seat and some students reportedly relegated to standing or sitting in the bus aisles at times.
Sterrs said buses’ occupancy levels have increased as four routes to Worcester Technical High School have been reduced. These include two Stephen Decatur High School morning routes, one SDHS afternoon route, and one Pocomoke High School afternoon route. Many high school students report each morning to their home high school before being bused to the tech school for classes.
Sterrs also reported a major logistical issue arose over the summer when a bus contractor elected to end his contract in July, impacting the transportation situation further.
“Based on prior-year ridership data, that route was absorbed into other routes,” Sterrs said.
Sterrs maintained the school system will continue to observe ridership figures while keeping student safety front of mind.
“While occupancy can vary by bus model, WCPS does not exceed the manufacturer’s seating capacity, typically 72 or 73 occupants,” she continued. “As is done at the beginning of every school year, the WCPS transportation department is closely monitoring all of our bus routes to determine and execute any adjustments that may be necessary.”