DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WPVI) — The Deptford Township School District is reversing a controversial plan that would have eliminated bus service for some students this year.

(The video in the player above is from previous reporting.)

In a letter to the community on Monday, Superintendent Kevin Kanauss said that after careful consideration and feedback from the public, the school district will continue to offer its free bus service as before.

The reversal comes just days after the district announced it would eliminate free bus service for students who live within two miles of their school in Gloucester County.

Parents and local authorities were outraged by the decision. Mayor Paul Medany also disagreed, saying that neither he nor the police were involved in developing the new plan.

Kanauss initially said the change would save the district about $1.65 million annually.

He said the savings would allow the district to reallocate the money to support “urgently needed areas,” including school security and renovations, maintaining and increasing teaching staff, academic programs, instructional materials and student support services.

Before the decision was changed, the district planned to offer an annual bus pass for $365 per student.

On Monday, Kanauss said: “We will continue to analyze the budget and transport issues with the aim of ensuring a safe, adequate and efficient transport system within the framework of the requirements of the overall budget.”

In the letter, he also pointed out to parents that more bus stops would be needed in the districts, which could lead to longer daily bus journeys.