Buffalo parents want to fix problems with school bus system, schedule forum

It can sometimes be three or even four hours after Tina Sanders' grandson is scheduled to be dropped off after school before the boy actually makes it home.

"It's kind of a lot for a 5-year-old," Sanders said. "Just getting on the bus at 6:45 a.m. and not getting home until 7, 8 o'clock. That's a lot."

Sanders is not alone. 7 Eyewitness News reported in September about a family whose son was routinely being dropped off an hour late. Sanders has heard from many other parents who have noticed similar issues and also raise concerns about speeding bus drivers and one student being dropped off at the wrong address.

"This year was worse than last year and I've been dealing with the buses for a long time," Sanders said.

That's why she is organizing a public forum for parents and community members to come together and figure out what can be done to fix the issues. Her advocacy group, No More Tears, works with families in Buffalo and has also extended an invitation to First Student.

First Student owns and operates the school buses for Buffalo Public Schools. 7 Eyewitness News asked if it plans to attend the forum, but have not yet received a response. The company told 7 Eyewitness News in September it is working to address a shortage of bus drivers that is contributing to some of these problems.

Organizers say they have been told by local representatives of the company it plans to be in attendance.

"[The forum] is not to bash anyone or point the finger or blame anyone," Sanders said. "But, just to get some things done and [see] if there is any way the community can assist."

The forum is being held at the Delavan Grider Community Center at 877 East Delavan Avenue. It takes place Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m.

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