The school bells will begin ringing next week for Omaha Public Schools. District officials say they are making sure transportation problems that led to anger and frustration from parents last year won't happen again this fall.
Last August and early September, Student Transportation Services, OPS' busing contractor, was plagued by a shortage of drivers, leaving many routes unmanned or in the hands of unfamiliar substitute drivers.
There were many late buses and others that never showed up, leaving children stranded at their stops and parents having trouble reaching someone to voice their concerns. OPS has taken steps this year to ensure a smoother process.
Bus routes have been reduced from 476 to 330, leaving Student Transportation Services with plenty of drivers. A new call center near 24th and Hamilton will help field questions and complaints. North End Teleservices did a soft opening on Wednesday where a couple of representatives answered questions from parents about their student's bus routes.
CEO Carmen Tapio says by next week they will have 14 represenatives answering calls. "In addition, we're going to cross-train some of our other folks as well so that if we need to we can pull in additional resources."
With OPS and Student Transportation also field bus related calls, a total of 50 people will be answering phone calls. There will be one central number for parents to call, 531-299-0140. Bus drivers went out on practice runs on Wednesday to make sure they are familiar with the routes by next week.