Laurel, Md. – As the new school year began, families across Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) found themselves waiting longer than usual for transportation to and from class. The district’s recently launched Chipmunk routing app malfunctioned on the first day, leaving roughly 10,000 of the 85,000 bus riders without assigned routes.
Parents and drivers voice frustration
During a Thursday night school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph candidly rated the rollout of the new routing system an “F.” Parents described long waits at bus stops and a lack of clear communication, while drivers reported being asked to solve problems beyond their control.
Immediate actions announced
Dr. Joseph apologized to the community, noting that the chaotic start was not the standard he expected for his first week on the job. To address the backlog, the transportation department will add four routing technicians, an additional scheduler, and a routing supervisor. The district also plans to improve training for staff and enhance communication channels with families.
“We will work around the clock to complete the backlog and get every student on a bus by Saturday,” Dr. Joseph said. “After that, our focus will shift to improving ride times and overall reliability.”
Underlying challenges
The district acknowledged a pre‑existing backlog of incomplete or incorrect routes, compounded by a driver shortage that has forced some routes to be combined or doubled. These staffing constraints have made it harder to respond quickly to the sudden surge of routing errors caused by the app crash.
What families can expect
Parents are urged to stay in touch with the transportation department for updates on their child’s assigned route. The district has promised more frequent notifications and a dedicated hotline for routing inquiries. Community volunteers have also offered to assist families in coordinating carpools while the system stabilizes.
Looking ahead
Superintendent Joseph emphasized that the district’s long‑term goal is to provide a reliable, technology‑driven transportation network that supports families and respects parental rights to know when and how their children will travel to school. The added staff and revised training are intended to prevent future disruptions and restore confidence in the system.
For now, the priority remains getting all students safely to their classrooms as quickly as possible, with the board monitoring progress closely and committing to transparent reporting throughout the remediation effort.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
