LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Several parents have expressed concern about bus routes and start times for the upcoming JCPS school year, and Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio addressed some of those concerns Tuesday morning.

Flanked by JCPS Chief Operating Officer Chris Perkins at a news briefing Tuesday morning, Pollio said the new routes and start times will reduce the amount of time kids are on buses and will ensure they get to class on time. 

JCPS admits there were numerous problems getting kids to class on time last year, but Pollio said this year will be different, now that routes have been reduced to about 600 from 730. And with staggered start times, bus drivers won’t have to cover double or triple routes.

JCPS launched its Bus Finder web portal on Monday. Parents just type in their address and child's school to find out the pick up and drop off times and school bus stop location.

WDRB has received several messages from frustrated parents saying it looks like some students will actually be on the bus longer than last year. Some parents writing their bus stop is almost a mile away or their child will be on the bus for 2 hours. 

Pollio said that can't be avoided, based on the sheer number of students. 

"There is no doubt, we have thousands of kids who are coming to compounds and have to switch to multiple buses. That's a choice that families make, and if they make that, it is going to be a little bit longer before they get home. But what we don't want our kids to get into school at 6:30 a.m. and sitting at school until 6 p.m. like we did last year."

Pollio says officials expect a "learning curve," and noted that 5- and 6-year-olds present the most transportation challenges.

That's why bus drivers like R.W. Fawbush were out practicing their new routes on Monday. "This is will be my 10th year driving," he said, adding that he's hopeful the new routes and start times will have a positive impact. 

"People don't like changes, but once you get into it I think it's going to be okay," Fawbush said. 

Elizabeth McGovern is worried about all the possible bus changes, and said she and other parents she talked to are nervous."

"I don't like the idea of my child being, even a 14-year-old, being on what he would be actually on four different buses," she said.

JCPS officials said things should improve as we get further into the school year. 

"There's going to be kinks and hiccups that we're going to have to work out," Pollio said. 

If you find a discrepancy or a glitch in the bus finder website, JCPS officials want you to let them know by completing the discrepancy form online. JCPS says that form is actually on the Bus Stop Request Form. To access it, click here.

JCPS classes resume on Aug. 9. 

Related Stories:

Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All rights reserved.