The state requires that school districts provide transportation for all students living further than 2 miles from their school, which is somewhat different than saying that schools are not paid to transport students who live closer than 2 miles.
I recently talked with the state (CFL) about transportation matters. The school district is allowed to provide bus passes or tokens for students to utilize other public transportation to and from schools. It was noted that this may or may not save money.
My best guess (purely based upon personal observation) is that the city does not have adequate buses or bus routes to take over much of the school district's bussing needs and given the financial situation, it is not very likely that the city will have funds to expand its services. I think this is very unfortunate, because previous to the abysmal budget revelations, I was hoping that the city and school district might be able to strike a deal and even qualify for some grant money. I would love to be proved wrong, but I don't think the school district would save money under this scheme, as things are now. My understanding is that school bus routes are filled, leaving no room available for general public ridership. Again, I could be wrong. Assuming that the busses picked up non-students, other issues to consider would be if this would increase the length of the bus route, and if the public is willing to allow young children to ride the bus with adults who have no connection to the school district or bus company.
Terri Hyle
From: "Clayton Templeton" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Paul Double" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,"Online Democracy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: RE: [Winona] mass transit
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 13:36:23 -0600
[Winona Online Democracy]
Paul, Interesting question. Does the bus company have an exclusive contract with the school districts? I would have no problem riding a school bus to work if it was available, and it would be cheaper to pay bus fare for my kids instead of running them around town.
-Clay Templeton
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Paul Double
The schools move large numbers of kids daily and, I believe, the school district is not paid to bus those who live under two miles by the state. Rider ship is an important part of cost effective mass transit. Is there a monthly pass that the schools could offer to increase use. There also use to be a late bus for students in co-curricular activities. Would those numbers help rider ship if later service was available?
Years ago I did the math and discovered that unless one drives over 10,000
miles per year, exclusive of trips, the cost of car ownership is much higher
than to use a cab. The cab gives you the convenience with no fixed schedule
but illustrates how many frivolous trips we might not make because we get
the bill each trip.
Paul Double [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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