Local leaders advocate for bus seat allocation to reduce traffic congestion

During the recent Plantation City Council meeting, a significant discussion emerged regarding the use of empty seats on school buses, particularly for students living within 1.8 miles of their schools. Dr. Zeman, a local advocate, emphasized the need for these empty seats to be made available from the start of the school year. He argued that this change could greatly reduce traffic congestion around schools, benefiting both students and parents.

Dr. Zeman pointed out that many families are currently forced to drive their children to school due to the lack of accessible bus seats, contributing to heavy traffic in Plantation and neighboring Pembroke Pines. He noted that a school bus with 84 seats often arrives at its last stop with only 14 children aboard, highlighting a disconnect between available resources and community needs.

The discussion underscored the importance of community involvement, with Dr. Zeman urging residents to contact their school board members and the superintendent to advocate for this change. He believes that making better use of existing bus capacity could alleviate traffic issues and provide a safer, more convenient option for families.

In response, Council Member Andrea acknowledged Dr. Zeman's concerns and mentioned that the mayor had already reached out to the school superintendent regarding a specific school board-owned property, indicating ongoing efforts to address transportation and traffic issues in the area.

As the city continues to grapple with traffic challenges, the council's engagement with local education authorities may pave the way for solutions that enhance the daily lives of Plantation residents. The meeting highlighted a proactive approach to community concerns, with hopes for a collaborative effort to improve school transportation options in the near future.