Dispute between bus company, school district leaves students without a ride
NEPTUNE, New Jersey (WABC) -- A dispute between a school bus company and a school district has left children without school bus service in New Jersey for the rest of the week.
The superintendent at the Neptune School District says the bus company informed her just before dismissal Monday that it would not be picking students up -- leaving some kids stranded at school with no ride home.
The whole issue is proving to be a major inconvenience for students and parents early in the school year. And it turns out that more districts could also be impacted.
On Tuesday, the school district said there would be no bus service again Wednesday.
It is unclear why the Seman-Tov bus company canceled service, but the district said it is looking for a solution.
Outside Summerfield Elementary School on Tuesday, parents were fired up. Students who normally take the bus to and from school are now forced to switch gears.
The school district said it has initiated an emergency search for bus vendors. In a letter to parents on Tuesday, the superintendent said in part:
"We know this disruption is inconvenient and stressful, and we sincerely apologize for the impact it may be having on your family. Your patience and understanding are deeply appreciated as we navigate both legal requirements and logistical hurdles to resolve this issue."
District leaders said while the service cancellation has impacted other school districts in the area, Neptune was hit the hardest as Seman-Tov transports the majority of its students.
Eyewitness News asked the bus company for answers, but we were directed to the following statement:
"We sincerely apologize for the recent delays in transportation services. Please know that we are working diligently to have our buses back on the road as quickly as possible."
Leaders are hopeful they will find a solution, but in the meantime, they have asked parents to find alternative transportation for the rest of the week.
The superintendent said she intends to update families on Wednesday.
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