NAISD transportation plan reduces bus stops in gated communities for efficiency

In a recent North East Independent School District (NEISD) board meeting, discussions centered around proposed changes to school bus transportation for the 2025-2026 school year, aiming to enhance efficiency and improve on-time arrivals. The meeting, held on April 14, 2025, highlighted the district's innovative approach to managing bus routes, particularly in gated communities.

As the clock ticked towards 4:20 PM, the board members explored the potential of utilizing high school coaches to assist with driving bus routes. This initiative not only provides job opportunities for coaches but also aims to streamline the transportation process. The district has already seen positive results from this strategy, which has contributed to improved efficiency in the afternoon bus schedules.

One of the most significant proposals discussed was the elimination of over 100 bus stops located inside gated communities. Currently, these stops contribute to delays, with buses spending between 6 to 15 minutes navigating through these areas. Data from the district's SmartTag system revealed that approximately 250 middle school and 200 high school students are affected by these stops. By reducing the number of stops within gated communities, the district anticipates a reduction in travel time, allowing buses to make additional stops elsewhere and ultimately improving overall service.

The board noted that nearly 30% of the gated subdivisions already have bus stops located outside their entrances, and research indicated that six out of ten area school districts do not stop inside gated communities at all. This shift could lead to the removal of three bus routes in the morning and two in the afternoon, further enhancing the efficiency of the transportation system.

Visual aids presented during the meeting illustrated specific areas where changes would occur. For instance, in one community, the proposal suggested consolidating multiple stops into a single location, which could save significant time while still ensuring students are safely picked up. The discussions also addressed concerns about the distance students might need to walk to reach these new stops, with estimates suggesting that the furthest walk would be around a third of a mile.

As the meeting concluded, the board members expressed a commitment to ensuring that the proposed changes would not only enhance efficiency but also maintain safety and accessibility for all students. The adjustments to the bus routes reflect a broader effort by NEISD to adapt to the needs of its community while striving for operational excellence in school transportation. The board's recommendations will be further reviewed, with the aim of implementing these changes in the upcoming school year.