Thompson: Out of 37 bus routes, only five not impacted by turnaround issue

Superintendent Matt Thompson took a serious tone in announcing Tuesday, Feb. 3, as NTI Day No. 10 for Montgomery County Schools Students. 

Thompson said that beginning this past Friday, the district began driving every bus route to address potential issues. After reviewing routes again today, Thompson said there are very few roads currently he would not feel comfortable having buses travel.

He commended all those involved in helping clear streets, roads, parking lots, walkways, etc.

The problem, Thompson said, is that 59 bus turnarounds remain an issue for buses. Some are not easy to clear, Thompson added, most are in gravel, very cramped or on a significant incline.

Out of 37 bus routes, only five are not impacted with a outstanding turnaround issue. At least a full third of students transported by bus involve routes accompanied by inaccessible turnarounds.

Because of the large number of riders impacted, alternative bus routes with temporary stops like those that might be done during flooding situations are not an option either. Unfortunately, Thompson concluded, only increased temperatures can help.