District 99 Buses Miss Pick-Ups on First Day of School

The first day of school always brings some nervous anticipation; maybe more so when your bus doesn't arrive to pick you up.

apologized for "poor bus service" Wednesday after confusion caused some delays and missed pick-ups for the first day of school.

It was the first school day the district worked with Westway Coach. this year and sign with a single company as a more efficient, cost-saving venture. The decision will save District 68 $300,000 a year, according to Kevin Wegner, assistant superintendent of business for .

District 99 had a half-day Wednesday. Upperclassmen attended school in the morning; the afternoon was reserved for freshmen.

Taunny Picha Gilbert wrote on Woodridge Patch's Facebook wall that her son's bus was a no-show to take him to school. He's a freshman and no one was home to drive him.

"He managed to get a ride but it was ridiculous!" she wrote. "Why wouldn't the bus company do practice runs with each route before school started. Very disappointed!"

Kris Mezatis reported her son's bus was a no-show for the ride home from school.

There were reports of poor bus service for District 68, as well. Diane Lofky Aichinger said the District 68 buses were a half hour late in coming home from school.

District spokeswoman Jill Browning told TribLocal there was some confusion in the bus routes and timing, as well as missed pick-ups. However, it was not clear how widespread the problem was.

District 99 sent in an e-alert around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: "District 99 is aware that many of our students received poor bus service today for the first day of school."

The e-mail went on to say the district had spoken with the vice president of operations with Westway, who assured district officials poor service would not be repeated Thursday.

If you do have problems with your morning pick-up, the district advises you to call Westway Coach at (630) 737-0688 so they can contact your driver. 

The district also requests you share pick-up problems and any additional concerns with your school. Call Associate Principal Ed Schwartz (630) 795-8513 at South High School or Associate Principal Chuck Hiscock (630) 795-8414 at North High School.