An Atlanta Public Schools bus driver was placed on leave after an unauthorized passenger was discovered sleeping on  the school bus while it was transporting Howard Middle School students, reported WSB News.

The unidentified woman, who was reportedly homeless, apparently remained undetected throughout the Monday morning route and was discovered only after the bus arrived at the school, according to a student who was on board. It remains unclear when or how the woman entered the bus.

According to the news report, a seventh-grade student recorded videos of the incident and sent them to her mother. The footage shows the driver discovering the woman asleep in the back of the bus and directing her to leave.

“Oh Lord Jesus,” the driver reportedly said in the video. “Come on, let’s go, ma’am.”

The woman exited the bus without incident. No injuries were reported.

Beth, whose last name was not provided, the mother of the student who recorded the videos, said her daughter rides the bus daily.

“It’s just crazy to me that she was undetected,” she told local news reporters. “It’s very unnerving, and it’s just unsettling.”

Although the incident ended without anyone being harmed, Beth said the circumstances raised concerns about whether the bus had been adequately inspected before students boarded.

“I’m relieved at how it turned out and that everything was fine, but it could’ve been something completely different,” she said via the article. “The kids need to feel safe; they need to know that when they get on that bus, they’re going to be protected; they’re going to be safe until they get to school.”

Atlanta Public Schools confirmed via the article that an unauthorized passenger was found on a bus transporting students to Howard Middle School. The district said the person was removed without incident, and that officials are reviewing the circumstances. Under district protocol, the driver was placed on leave pending the outcome of the review.

APS reportedly added that it is taking immediate steps to address any identified concerns and make necessary changes to its transportation and safety protocols. “The safety and security of our students and staff is our highest priority,” the district stated. “APS takes all matters involving student safety and security seriously and remains committed to maintaining safe and secure transportation for every student.”

Written with the ssistance of AI.

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