NOTTINGHAM, MD – The excitement of a new school year is fading quickly for some parents in northeastern Baltimore County.

The school bus issues that plagued the county last year seem to have returned this fall.

The district’s new transportation director, Jess Grim, began the school year by asking for parents’ patience as they adjusted some school bus routes.

Already, stories are circulating of students in Parkville, Perry Hall, and Kingsville getting dropped off after 5:30 p.m. or later. In many cases, the buses are so overcrowded that students end up sitting in the aisles.

“Patience, as they say, is a virtue,” said Councilman David Marks. “But tell that to the parents of Kingsville Elementary kids who were dropped off after 5 p.m. today – or to the kids once again crammed into aisles on overcrowded buses.”

Baltimore County Public Schools Board Member Julie Henn is often outspoken when it comes to bus-related issues, and this year is no exception.

“While I am hearing of some improvements in the northeast, it is clear there’s still a lot of work to be done,” Henn said. “We must ensure that all students are reliably, efficiently, and safely transported to and from school. Baltimore County Councilman David Marks and I continue to escalate specific concerns to BCPS leadership and press for permanent resources and relief from the issues which have plagued the northeast for far too long.”

Officials with BCPS say they let families in northeastern Baltimore County know about changes to bus routes before the school year began.