I-Team: Parents Say APS Bus Problems Have Gotten Worse

by Dale Russell
Aired Feb. 29, 2016

ATLANTA - Warren T. Jackson Elementary school parent Matt Brown says the FOX 5 I-Team investigation of Atlanta Public School buses breaking down came as no real surprise. He's been watching it first hand for two years.

“The buses break down. Frequently. Every year is getting worse,” says Brown.

Brown responded to a recent FOX 5 I-Team investigation that found on average nearly three APS school buses are towed in for repairs every school day. We also found nearly one out of every four APS buses are in the shop, waiting weeks for repairs.

John Franklin is the APS fleet director. He said: “We realize the number far exceeds expectations of the transportation department, as well as schools, parents, and students.”

Matt Brown heard so many complaints that as a volunteer bus liaison for Jackson Elementary, he began collecting evidence of bus problems, and putting them on a spreadsheet.

He documented 250 incidents with cryptic explanations like: No bus available; broken down at Lake Forrest; bus broken down at school; and 23 minutes late.

Brown says the problems have gotten worse during the past three years. He knows fleet director John Franklin is trying, but he's not sure he has all the tools he needs.

An APS spokesperson wrote to me saying they will continue to improve bus services at Jackson Elementary.

They say the school system adjusted its bus driver staff; revised the bus ramp operations; and remain in constant communication with school leadership and the bus captain.