It’s hard to believe that 13 years have passed since that unsettling day when my daughter, Alyssa, was left alone at a bus stop. Back then, I pushed fervently for changes in the school transportation system, especially focusing on the safety of our young students. As I reflect on the state of things today, I can’t help but ask: have we genuinely improved?

I must give credit where it’s due. The county has made remarkable strides in communicating about bus tardiness. The proactive notifications to parents about delays have been a welcome change, ensuring that we’re well-informed and can adjust as needed. This transparency has, undoubtedly, shown the county’s commitment to keeping parents involved and easing concerns related to the safety of our children during transit delays.

Yet, while we’ve made progress in communication, the consistent lateness of school buses for pickups and drop-offs continues to be a concern. Though we’re kept in the loop, the frequency of these delays disrupts our daily routines and raises questions about the overall efficiency of the transportation system.

From 2010 Article Written in the Free Lance Star titled: Father seeks changes after drop-off mistake

For instance, even with timely notifications, I, like many other parents, often find myself reshuffling my plans due to the unpredictable timings of the buses. The consistent need for these adjustments can be taxing on our daily lives and work commitments.

The actions taken after Alyssa’s incident, like enhanced safety protocols and bus driver training, were undoubtedly positive steps forward. However, the lingering issues with punctuality suggest that there’s more ground to cover. It’s not just about timeliness anymore but building a system that consistently meets our expectations as a community.

So, as I pose this question to my fellow community members: While we can appreciate the transparency, are we satisfied with the punctuality of our school transportation system? And if not, what further measures should we advocate for to ensure the efficiency and reliability we all expect and deserve?

That day, 13 years ago, with Alyssa was a turning point that pushed for change. The journey toward refining our school transportation system, however, is ongoing, and it’s essential for all of us to be active participants in this dialogue.