Wednesday, August 20, 2003

We understand that in an effort to cut fuel and other expenses, the Fayette County Board of Education Transportation Department is limiting bus stops to neighborhood entrances. We find this appalling. Apparently, the value of a gallon of fuel is more precious than the safety of our children.

The new designated "bus stop" for our neighborhood is at the same location where, four years ago, the Fayette County Police Department argued against the placement of a golf cart crossing due to dangerous circumstances. They cited clocked speeds in excess of 70 mph on a highly traveled road. This is where our kindergartners are expected to wait for a bus on dark or foggy mornings?

This is the scenario throughout the county. As we drove our children to school this morning, we noticed lots of very young children standing at the edges of busy two-lanes, many of which have become virtual highways. Along with the children were golf carts, vans, and parents blocking the line of sight for other vehicles. Obviously, this is a dangerous situation, an accident waiting to happen.

With smog alerts in metro Atlanta, government agencies encouraging the use of mass transit, and increasing congestion in our own city, this policy encourages even more use of our overcrowded roads. Parents will be forced to drive their children to school because it is the only safe alternative. Our county has already lost highway funds due to these conditions. Are we willing to put future projects at risk to save a few gallons of gas?

We are proud of our school system and the safe nature of our community. However, in an age of Amber Alerts, can anyone feel safe allowing children to walk the half-mile to these new "spur" stops and wait there? Our hope is that the county will listen to its citizens and reconsider this plan now. It would be terrible to wait until it is too late for a child.

Dan Lynch

Fayetteville