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PSJA transportation outlines plan to meet Texas school bus seat‑belt requirement by 2029
Summary
A transportation briefing to trustees outlined the district’s current bus fleet (144 yellow buses), retrofit needs (44 older buses lack three‑point belts), retrofit cost estimates (~$35,000 per bus, ~$1.5M total) and a replacement/retrofit schedule designed to meet Senate Bill 546 compliance by Sept. 1, 2029.
Transportation officials briefed trustees on Senate Bill 546, which requires three‑point seat belts on school buses transporting children effective Sept. 1, 2029.
Rafael Gonzalez, the district transportation presenter, said PSJA operates 144 yellow buses; 44 buses (10–21 years old) currently lack three‑point belts. He provided a retrofit cost estimate of roughly $35,000 per bus — about $1.5 million to retrofit all 44 buses — but said the district’s plan emphasizes phased replacement and selective retrofits. Staff said the district plans to buy about 10 new buses next year and roughly 15 in subsequent years so that the fleet will be largely compliant by 2029, with some retrofits reserved for interim needs.
Gonzalez said the district will apply for available retrofit grants (noting a recent program that could yield up to $6,000 per bus) but that any grant would not fully cover retrofit costs. Trustees asked about grant availability, the financial‑hardship reporting process in SB 546 for small rural districts, and the district’s anticipated capital outlay planning. Staff said they would direct grants staff to pursue applicable funding opportunities and continue monitoring TEA guidance.
No board vote was required; this was an informational presentation to prepare the district for the SB 546 compliance timeline.
