Cobb Bus Overcrowding Should End Next Week, Officials Say

Cobb County students who have had to endure cramped bus rides to and from school during the first week of school may see improvements to the system by next week, officials say.

Rick Grisham, the school district’s Director of Transportation, tells WSB-TV that staff spends the first two weeks of school playing catch-up with regards to all the changes that have occurred since school let out in May. New enrollments, new subdivisions, and new construction projects can mean a hectic time for the routing team, who will work overtime to “right size” each bus route.

Grisham added that there is a lack of extra bus drivers, which could help lessen the capacity of each bus; state law permits buses to run 20 percent over capacity. Some Cobb students are riding four to a seat, WSB-TV says.

The process of streamlining the county’s school bus services should be complete by the third Monday of school, district leaders tell WSB-TV.