"Sometimes there are three (students) to a seat," Gabriela Calzada said about the uncomfortable bus rides she said she's experienced lately. According to Calzada, students were told a few weeks ago they would have to cram into two buses.

There were three at the start of the school year, but Boone Transportation, the private company that provides bus service for the Gadsden Independent School District, has decided to downsize service. Calzada's mother is outraged at the decision.

"A lot of children, especially teenagers, they’re big. They're not little kids. I could see three little kids to a seat, but teenagers being smooshed in there, and what about the pregnant girls that are on the bus? They're being smooshed," said Paulette Alvarado, Calzada's mother.

Alvarado's oldest daughter told her she had another student sitting on her lap the other day because there wasn't room on the bus.

"I don't think that's right. If they provide buses for the children, they should be able to get on the bus and be able to sit comfortably on the bus," said Alvarado.

KFOX checked with the school bus transportation company. Its spokeswoman said the company pulled the third bus out of service to test ridership. Boone Transportation has decided to terminate the third bus for middle school students because it isn't necessary. However, two days ago, the third bus was added back to the route for high school students.

The law requires only that school buses not exceed capacity, and three students to a seat are permitted.

Alvarado is concerned it's a hazard.

"I'm just very concerned that if they're in an accident, something can happen to them," she said.

Boone Transportation will consider adding a third bus for middle-schoolers in the future if it notices an increase in ridership.

Concerns about GISD bus service should be directed to Boone Transportation, 2102 Washington St., or call 575-882-3613.