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Board approves transportation services plan; staff reports 1,160 daily riders and explores electric buses
Summary
Trustees approved the district's transportation services plan under California Education Code sections 39800.1 and 41805.1. Staff reported current ridership, route counts, annual mileage and a per-mile cost; the district is investigating electric and hydrogen technologies for future buses.
The board approved the district's transportation services plan, an annual update required under California Education Code, following a public hearing and staff presentation.
Staff reported average daily ridership of about 1,160 students transported each day on eight regular-education bus routes, six special-education routes and one van route, with annual mileage of 141,656 and an operating cost of about $18.39 per mile. The transportation department currently employs 18 licensed bus drivers, staff said. The plan allows the district to recover roughly 60 percent of operating costs (not capital outlay) for routes that meet statutory criteria.
During the hearing staff and board members discussed alternative fuels. Staff said the district is actively exploring electric buses and associated infrastructure; hydrogen fuel-cell buses were also referenced in discussion as an alternative some speakers had seen presented elsewhere. Board members and staff described the transition as a gradual process requiring additional infrastructure planning.
The board moved, seconded and approved the transportation services plan by voice vote.
Why it matters: Transportation costs and route coverage affect student access and district operating costs; staff said recovering a portion of operating costs and recruiting drivers are ongoing operational priorities.
Actions
- Approved the district transportation services plan (public hearing held; motion passed by voice vote).
