New text, email notification system lets parents know if child’s school bus is delayed

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As part of a new notification program that kicked in Monday, Duval County Public Schools is sending out texts and emails to notify you if your child’s bus is delayed.

Those late buses are something Action News Jax has followed very closely since the school year started.

Several weeks ago, Action News Jax showed you that elementary kids were waiting more than an hour to catch their bus.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

On Monday morning, we tracked the notifications on DCPS’ site and more than 80 bus routes were delayed by 30 minutes or more.

To get delay notifications, you have to register your child for transportation on DCPS’ website.

Read: Man tried to kidnap 8-year-old girl walking with her father, police say

Here are instructions on how to register:

1. Log into the parent/guardian’s Focus account and select your child’s name.
2. Select “Child Info.”
3. Select “Forms.”
4. Select “Transportation Registration Form.”
5. The primary address is used to determine the bus assignment. If the address is correct, go to “Does Your Child Need Bus Transportation” and select “Yes.” If the address is not correct, contact your child’s school to update before proceeding.
6. Click “Submit Request.”

Repeat these steps for any additional students in the family.

DCPS has told us it is actively working to help hire school bus drivers and says on average each day, it’s short about 50 drivers.

Two weeks ago, a mom and daughter on Jacksonville’s Westside told us they’ve had to pay the consequences by being late to school.

Read: Man tried to kidnap 8-year-old girl walking with her father, police say

“I understand [there’s a school bus driver] shortage, but you can do more,” said Teresa Urquhart. “I personally feel like it’s a problem because what about the kids that can’t get to school and really want their education,” added her 10-year-old daughter, Treonna Pitt.

Action News Jax asked DCPS how many texts and emails went out on Monday morning because of those delayed routes. A spokesperson said the school district couldn’t provide the exact figure, but referred us to the following link where anyone can track those delays live: https://dcps.duvalschools.org/busdelays

DCPS also said it is offering retention bonuses to encourage applicants who want to fill school bus driver positions. You can find out more about how to apply here: https://dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/26581

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Read: No one hurt in single-engine plane crash in Anastasia State Park, authorities say

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.