After coming under criticism, Atlanta Public Schools announced Wednesday night that it is adding bus routes and stops.
APS conducted a district-wide review of the system and considered parents' input, APS spokesman Keith Bromery said in a news release.
During the next several weeks, the district will add 49 buses and 850 additional bus stops to existing routes, plus additional crossing guards, at an estimated cost of $2.8 million, Bromery said.
The system had come under fire since the new school year began Aug. 6. Monday night, protesters spoke at the School Board meeting, angry about a transportation policy they said was forcing children to walk to school through dangerous neighborhoods.
To manage costs, buses stopped "courtesy" pick-ups of children within a mile of elementary schools and within a 1 1/2 miles of middle and high schools, Bromery previously said. Bus routes also were redrawn and realigned, and service was reduced at some schools.
The new plan will be phased in. Updates will be posted on the APS website at www.atlantapublicschools.us.
— Staff writer Jeffry Scott contributed to this article.
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