Concerned Wake Co. resident reports overcrowded buses
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- A worried North Raleigh resident has filed a complaint with the Wake County School District saying he witnessed overcrowded school buses.
Fields Carlisle told ABC11 he saw several children either standing in the aisle or sitting on the floor as he was driving behind the bus Friday morning.
"I was just appalled," Carlisle said. "I know it's illegal for that to happen. I know there have been other instances of Wake County school buses being overcrowded."
Carlisle said the bus was packed and some of the students had a hard time staying on their feet as the bus driver took some of the turns.
"It looked like [the kids] were kind of leaning over, like they lost their balance, because that's a really sharp curve."
The bus was carrying middle and elementary school students from East Millbrook.
"Wake County schools, they have a big safety campaign about other people looking out for the kids and not passing the crossing arm, but it looks like the bus drivers are doing dangerous things themselves," Carlisle shared.
It is against state law for students to be standing on a bus. They are required to be seated completely.
WCPSS argues there was available space on the bus.
"This bus was not over-capacity," said WCPSS Spokesperson Lisa Luten. "There were available seats on the bus, and students are aware that they should be sitting in those available seats. The driver did not witness the students misbehaving on the bus, but is on alert to monitor their behavior."
