TOWSON,MD—At the Baltimore County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, September 24, Baltimore County Councilman David Marks and Delegate Harry Bhandari both pushed for action to reduce school bus overcrowding and delays.

“I appreciate Delegate Bhandari joining me, and I thank Councilwoman Bevins for sending a representative as well,” said Councilman Marks. “I also appreciate School Board members such as Julie Henn working through many of these issues.”

Councilman Marks’ comments were as follows:

“As school enters its fourth week, delays continue on many school bus routes in northeastern Baltimore County. While I appreciate the personal interaction that has occurred between Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and many parents, I am frustrated by these repeated annual problems that seem to impact northeastern Baltimore County the most.

I would appreciate knowing the answers to the following questions:

Why has northeastern Baltimore County—Fullerton, Perry Hall, and Kingsville—been affected the most by school bus delays?

What remedies will be proposed to avoid these problems in the 2020-2021 academic year?

If problems do not seem solvable with the current model, why won’t BCPS should examine what seems to be working in other jurisdictions?

The County Council and I believe want to help – but we are frustrated by what seems to be a repeatedly dysfunctional school bus system.”

Many parents have complained of serious bus delays during the first few weeks of school, as well as students being forced to sit in the aisles of overcrowded buses.

Mychael Dickerson, the BCPS Director of Transportation, meanwhile, has asked for “patience” while the county works on these issues.