ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- Getting lost, late arrivals and rolling through stop signs are just some of the complaints parents brought to the second meeting in a week to discuss shoddy bus services.
After 10 years, Orland Park district 135 switched bus services in 2015 to Student Transportation of America/Positive Connections, reportedly saving $200,000 a year. But many parents think the company isn't up to job.
"The concern is the reliability, the qualifications of these drivers," says parent Anna Sharkey.
Drivers who are reportedly rude, unfamiliar with the routes and staggered school start times.
"Words cannot express the frustration," said Dr. Janet Stutz, Superintendent of District 135.
ABC7 Eyewitness News reached out to Positive Connections but they did not return any calls. Stutz said 90 percent of district's 400 runs were operating properly
"You would think they know what they're doing," said Steve Marjan.
Stutz said the board has contracted with their previous bus company to add 30 new routes starting perhaps next week, and that Positive Connections is on notice that it will have to improve its performance.
"Those who do not meet our expectations, they're not going to drive with Orland 135 anymore," Dr. Stutz said.
But those were just words to many parents who are getting their kids to school themselves even though they're still paying for bus services.
"We had a company we trusted for 10 years," says Teresa Shinnick.
At the end of the meeting parents were frustrated, saying it was a joke and they had wasted their time.
The board fended off demands it cancel its contracts. Student Transportation of America/Positive Connections is the no. 3 provider of school buses on a contractual basis in America, a $423 million corporation.