Parents left with questions after Pittsburgh Public Schools cancels bus route

Nicole Ford
·2 min read
3

Pittsburgh Public Schools told Channel 11 the bus driver for a Hazelwood route is no longer employed at A-1 Transit. That route is now canceled leaving parents with a whole lot of questions when it comes to what’s next.

“There are children who live in an area that services this Pittsburgh Public School — why wouldn’t there be transportation?” said Amber Adkins who lives in Hazelwood.

“We pay taxes just like everyone else, we are paying our taxes, they need to find someone else to do our routes,” said James Cole who also lives in Hazelwood.

The Mifflin PreK-8 route picks up and drops off about 30 kids in Hazelwood. When Channel 11 asked the district about the situation, a spokesperson responded.

“The A-1 Transit driver is no longer with the carrier and due to the national bus driver shortage, we have not been able to fill that role. We are adjusting routes to accommodate families at this time.”

The district said it is offering mileage reimbursement and bus tickets for the Pittsburgh Regional Transit, but some parents said that’s just not feasible.

“It does not work for an 8-year-old second grader — it’s not responsible at all,” Adkins said.

Now as they wait for answers, community members are stepping up to help get the neighborhood’s kids to school.

“We do it because it’s a need for our children to get their education — that’s most important for them to get their education. That’s why we do it,” said Saundra Cole McKamey who lives in Hazelwood.

There is no timeline from the district on when that route may come back. The spokesperson said that if someone doesn’t have a car or is out of options, the district is encouraging them to call the Parent Hotline.

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