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Board narrowly approves raise in non‑low‑income student bus fare to $420 amid transportation shortfall
Summary
The board voted 3–2 to increase annual bus fares for non‑low‑SES riders from $400 to $420, after transportation staff outlined a funding gap that covers roughly half of program costs with existing state transportation allocations.
Fullerton's transportation director, Rose Williams, presented route counts, fleet composition and funding shortfalls at the March 10 meeting and recommended a modest fare increase for non‑low‑socioeconomic‑status riders to help cover costs.
"In 2025–26 transportation funding is projected to increase... to $1,999,594, which only covers 51% of the expenses," Williams said. She reviewed rider counts, special education accommodations and the district's mix of gasoline, propane, CNG and diesel buses, and noted an ongoing goal to acquire electric buses (with grant support) in 2027.
Staff proposed raising the annual fee for eligible non‑low‑SES students from $400 to $420. Trustees debated whether the increase would meaningfully close the funding gap and whether fee changes should be brought back to the full board before finalizing. After an initial motion to keep the fee at $400 failed on a 2–3 vote, the board approved the staff recommendation to set the fee at $420 and directed staff to return to the board for any future changes to the fare structure. The vote passed 3–2.
Trustees emphasized maintaining services to unduplicated students and cited the limited revenue impact per household: staff projected the increase would raise roughly $1,300–$1,500 at current rider levels, making it a small but incremental contribution to the unfunded transportation liability.
Rose Williams and staff said they will bring future fare adjustments and further cost‑coverage proposals to the board for review.
