Communication challenges in student transportation took center stage at the College Station ISD Board Workshop on September 16, 2025. Officials highlighted ongoing efforts to improve notification systems for parents regarding bus delays and ridership statistics.

During the meeting, a transportation representative acknowledged the difficulties faced at the start of the school year, noting instances where they were overwhelmed with responsibilities, leading to missed notifications. "I've been the only person in the office answering five phone lines and doing radios all at the same time," they explained, emphasizing the need for better communication tools.

The district has implemented a new app to streamline notifications, allowing parents to receive real-time updates about bus schedules directly. However, the representative pointed out that not all parents have downloaded the app, which is crucial for effective communication. "We always tell them when they register, please get this app," they said, indicating that many still rely on outdated methods of communication.

Current ridership statistics reveal that out of 14,042 students, only 4,363 are registered for bus services, with 124 students riding without registration. The district is actively reaching out to parents to encourage registration, with plans to enforce a deadline for compliance. "We're going to give them a date and we're going to refuse transportation before they actually say, 'Oh, I'm going to go do it now,'" the representative stated.

As of the meeting, daily bus ridership stood at 3,668 students, with numbers expected to grow. The district is also managing transportation for specialized programs, including 172 student transfers and 21 McKinney Vento students.

The discussion underscored the district's commitment to enhancing communication and ensuring all students have access to reliable transportation, while also addressing the challenges of parent engagement in the registration process.