APS bus drivers are on the road and ready for Day One

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The first day for Atlanta Public Schools students is Monday August 4, but the bus drivers who will transport thousands of the district’s students are on the job now.

APS’ fleet of 333 buses were on Atlanta streets this morning and will head out again during today’s afternoon rush hour, Tuesday July 29. Drivers are conducting practice runs to become familiar with their routes, improve accuracy of timing during current traffic patterns and to approximate pick up and drop off schedules for students. APS Operations Chief Larry Hoskins reiterated the importance of the transportation department’s practice run. “This gives us an opportunity to become familiar with our routes and allows us to provide a high degree of service,” said Hoskins.

Drivers spent Monday in training. The day started at sunrise with a visit from Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen. She energized the crowd of about 400 with a message to drivers about their important role.

“You are the first teacher a student sees at the start of the school day,” Dr. Carstarphen emphasized.

The superintendent concluded her remarks with a simple, “please be safe” as the drivers headed out.

The APS fleet will travel 21,904 miles per day transporting 22,000 students to and from school.

The transportation department will post bus route information to the district website on the evening of July 31. That information will also be available at school open houses on Friday August 1.

The department of transportation can be reached at 404-802-5500.