WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Hinds County parents fear dangers of new Hwy 27 bus stop

Hinds County parents fear dangers of new Hwy 27 bus stop

By Roslyn Anderson - bio | email

Some Hinds county parents say new bus stops are putting their children's lives at risk.

One Utica grandmother has been frightened by the what she's seen for the past few weeks as she waited at a Highway 27 school bus stop.

"It's dangerous for these kids to be out here by themselves," said Christine James.

James is talking about the new bus stop on Highway 27 at Pete Bolton Road in Utica where her grandson is among the students picked up and dropped off daily.

In previous years James says the bus turned onto Pete Bolton Road and stopped at each house.

"This highway is like an interstate. The 18 wheelers, these people flying through here, passing one another. The kids out here by themselves could get hit, killed, kidnapped or anything," said James.  

Our camera captured video of  log trucks, tractor trailers and numerous vehicles driving well past the 55 mile per hour speed limit.

"We want these buses to go back and pick up the children on Pete Bolton Road and stop dropping them off downtown in Utica and they are running all up and down the streets," said concerned resident Henry Grisby.  

James's grandson Darious is on this bus that stopped at three o'clock to drop off one student.

For safety the bus only allowed students to get off on the right side.

Darious can't get off at his stop on Pete Bolton and must ride for another 30 minutes before the bus turns around and heads back.

Parents took their concerns to the Hinds County School District.

"They'll see the change in the morning where we'll be using the new bus stop there," said Director of Student Services James Mason.

Mason says the district now has permission from a private owner to use land on Pete Bolton Road for a bus stop.

He said the changed was scheduled to begin Monday but will start Tuesday.

"The kids are not gonna be having to wait on Highway 27. We're gonna have them in a much safer location at a turn around point located off the highway," said Mason.  

According to school officials, route changes were made to save money and student travel time, but when contacted by concerned parents they evaluate each stop to insure student safety.

Some parents want the school system to return to the old bus routes.

District officials hope to save up to $500,000.00 through route reductions.

Buses currently run 100 routes daily.