High 5 Sports - Prep sports coverage from FOX 5 Atlanta - Parents protest Atlanta Public Schools bus route changes

Parents are protesting changes to the Atlanta Public Schools bus route system. They say the new system is leaving their children in danger.

Several angry parents showed up at the APS headquarters on Monday to voice opposition to the new plan.

The recently-imposed system allows bus service only for students who live more than a mile from elementary schools, and a mile and a half from middle and high schools.

Parents say the district is putting students' safety at risk by forcing kids to walk in areas that don't have sidewalks or crosswalks.

Besides traffic hazards, some parents said their children would be forced to walk through crime-ridden neighborhoods. Travee Leslie asked board members to personally see what her child's journey to school looks like.

"I'm going to challenge you, first thing tomorrow to be out there with the prostitutes and the pimps and the drug dealers and the parents," said Leslie.

APS spokesperson Keith Bromery said there could be some exceptions to the rule. They are asked to check with the district's transportation division to find out about those exceptions.

While the board heard from several upset parents, no formal action was taken during Monday's meeting as the issue was not on the agenda. A special meeting could be held to discuss the issue.