The Visor

Buses blockade lots and cause major delays

October 22, 2009

Staff

Students often catch rides to school with their friends or simply let their parents drive them, but still, hundreds of students must rely on the school buses for daily rides to and from school. As of late, the school buses have been catching the attention of many students, whether or not they actually ride the bus.

Traditionally, the school buses parked behind the express-lane parking lot to wait for students after school. However, several of the bus drivers were unhappy with the congestion and limited maneuverability space in the express-lanes and also displeased with the rush of students that leave from that side of the parking lots. This year, the bus drivers have been appeased with a new parking station in the middle of the students’ parking lots behind the gymnasiums.

Students that park in the vicinity of the buses have become subject to their dominance and are forced to wait until the buses have departed before they can file out. On average, the buses do not leave their parking spots until 3:15 P.M., which has consequences for students. Student-athletes risk being late for their practices, and employed students may have to rush to work immediately after school. Because of the buses’ new parking system, these students are victimized, and the parking spots in that area of the lots are no longer desirable.

The traffic on that side of the parking lot is also a possible safety hazard because students attempt to sneak out of the parking lot around the buses. However, students have to walk in between the buses and around other cars just to get to the doors of the bus and are usually dodging in between cars of the students. It is nearly impossible to have complete safety for all students when the buses are parked in an area where cars are buzzing through every free space.

The situation is bleak because the buses have already established themselves. Moreover, thefall sports season is coming to a close and soon athletes will no longer need to worry about getting to the fields on time. The dilemma has not gone unnoticed by both students and faculty. The school administration understands the issue, but also understands that the buses are a crucial means of transportation for a majority of Hoban students, especially underclassmen.

The former parking station for the buses was generally accepted by the students. This new parking lot fiasco, although good in theory, has proven costly in application. The likelihood of granting special parking spaces for studentathletes or employed students is low, and many students may see that as segregation. Thus, it may be favorable to relocate the buses to another section of the parking lots, where fewer students will be affected. For now, students that drive will simply have to attempt to avoid the buses if they hope to be punctual for practice or to clock in on time at work.

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