OVERCROWDING on a Darton High school bus has led to Stagecoach using a supervisor to count pupils as they board to avoid going over the legal limit.
In a letter replying to a parent's concern about lateness and overcrowding Stagecoach admitted on one occasion 115 kids were on the bus when legally it can carry only 89.
The Chronicle also understands children are arriving late to school and some are left stranded in the afternoon because there isn't enough room on the 483 Higham to Kexborough bus.
Parents have now slammed Stagecoach, school management and the local education authority for failing to provide a reliable school service.
Parent Paula White, of Higham Common Road, said: "It's been late five mornings and four evenings out of the ten days she has been back at school. If the boot was on the other foot, it was our fault and she was getting to school late I'm sure the council would do something then."
Paul Lynch, managing director for Stagecoach, said as an alternative pupils can board the 95 Barnsley to Kexborough service bus on Ballfield Lane and from September 22 it will operate via the school following approval from the Traffic Commissioner.
