The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is undertaking significant reforms in its school bus management plan to rectify previous transportation issues that affected students' punctuality. In a recent letter to the community, Superintendent William J. Barnes outlined the steps being taken to ensure timely bus service, which he identifies as crucial for reducing chronic absenteeism. Parents had expressed frustration last year when many students faced long waits for buses, with some not picked up at all. To prevent a recurrence of these problems, a project management plan has been introduced that allows transportation contractors to review routes and perform dry-runs ahead of the school year.

Furthermore, for the 2024-2025 school year, HCPSS will adjust start times for 11 elementary and middle schools, a move aimed at reducing traffic congestion. The district's bus tracking system has also been updated to provide clearer information to parents regarding bus routes. Barnes acknowledged the scrutiny on the school system as the new school year approaches and expressed optimism about the improvements. These changes come after a previous apology from HCPSS regarding significant bus delays caused by driver shortages.