Board approves 7% rate increase for Safeway Bus Company amid district transportation adjustments

The Hudson School Board approved a 7 percent rate increase for Safeway Bus Company’s continuing contract for the 2025–26 fiscal year, a measure administrators said is intended to help the contractor offset rising labor costs and secure student transportation for the year. Administrators told the board the proposed increase mirrors terms discussed in closed session earlier and that state of the contract needed public approval in open session. A district presenter said the increase is intended to help Safeway address rising labor costs and to offset reductions in the number of routes as the district seeks to run buses more efficiently under new transportation leadership. Board members asked whether the company had provided specifics about how the additional funds would be used and whether the increase would address ongoing concerns raised by families about bus service. A board member said the 7 percent is not intended to fund a particular parent request but rather to stabilize the contractor’s finances so it can maintain service; the district will continue to adjust routing to improve efficiency. Another board member noted that even with the increase, the district’s per‑route costs remain lower than comparable districts, and the memo distributed with the contract lists the per‑route rates. The board voted to approve the contract increase after a motion and second; the motion passed by voice vote. No additional funding sources were discussed at the meeting; board members emphasized the decision was intended to ensure continued transportation service for students.