They’re big. They’re yellow. And starting Monday, they’ll be everywhere.
🚌 Why It Matters: More than 135,000 students rely on Gwinnett County’s buses to get to school every day. That means parents, commuters, and neighborhoods need to brace for the early-morning and mid-afternoon traffic that comes with it.
🚦 What’s Happening: Gwinnett County Public Schools’ bus fleet is rolling out dry runs ahead of the school year—giving drivers time to rehearse their routes before students climb aboard.
- From July 28 to August 1, buses will run full morning and afternoon routes—with school names clearly displayed.
- Drivers have completed training and safety checks; each bus will be cleaned and disinfected twice daily during the school year.
⏱ Between the Lines: Expect delays during the first three weeks of school. New riders, unfamiliar routines, and extra safety protocols mean routes may run behind.
- The school district recommends students arrive at stops 15 minutes early.
- Afternoon buses are especially prone to delays as drivers confirm each child exits at the correct stop.
👨👩👧 Safety Starts at Home: Officials are asking parents to prep students for the bus ride—and the bus stop.
- Know your child’s stop location before school starts.
- For young students, especially K-2, teach them to speak up if they’re unsure about getting off.
- The school system encourages families to establish a bus routine on day one to avoid confusion later.
🗺 The Numbers Behind the Wheel: Gwinnett’s bus system is a national heavyweight.
- 2,006 buses serving over 45,000 stops
- 129,000+ miles driven each day—five times around the equator
- Third-largest student transporter in the U.S.
📞 If Something Goes Wrong: If your child misses their stop or doesn’t get off the bus:
- Call the school first.
- If there’s no answer, reach Gwinnett County Public Schools Transportation at 770-513-6686.
- Special education transportation questions? Call 770-513-6881.
📍 Alternate Stops Require Paperwork: By default, kids are picked up and dropped off at the stop nearest their home. To use a different address—for daycare or other needs—parents must file a new “Alternate Address” or “Parent Authorization” form each year. Call 678-226-7036 for help.
The Sources: Gwinnett County Public Schools.

B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.