Changes coming to MCS bus fleet and routes

MADISON – While other school districts are reducing the number of buses in their fleet, Madison City Schools is adding nine additional buses for the start of school next month. They are also revising many of the routes.

MCS superintendent Robby Parker said the new buses and revised routes are an effort to reduce travel time as the school district grows in student population.

“The school board and I have been busy this summer with planning, budget and staffing decisions,” Parker said. “Rapid growth is straining every facet of what we do, but we are committed to working through those demands.”

Parker said other changes in bus transportation are also coming.

“We have purchased GPS technology that will give parents real-time tracking of arrival times for their child’s bus,” he said. “We hope to have this in place and fully working early in the first semester.”

Parker added that buses picking up and dropping kids off in Triana may soon be equipped with Wi-Fi and bus aides to help with things like homework during their long commute.

“We are also aggressively recruiting more drivers,” Parker said. “We are hoping a better pay package and a billboard campaign will draw attention in this competitive job market.”

John Wilson has been tasked with implementing the changes. He recently replaced Roosevelt Carter as transportation coordinator, who retired last month.

“Mr. Wilson was a long time Madison City school employee before he took a principal job in Tennessee. I am very excited he is coming home,” Parker said.