Seattle School Board rejected proposal shifting students from school buses to public transportation
In a 4-3 vote the Seattle School Board has rejected a proposal that would have shifted the transportation of students from school buses to public transportation over the next three years. Proponents of the shift point to the many advantages public transportation provides, such as the potential savings, the chance for high schools to shift to later start times, and the opportunity for more students to participate in extracurricular activities by giving them more than one opportunity to catch a bus home. Although school district officials estimate they would realize a savings of $2 million by using public transportation, critics question the figures. They say many logistical questions, such as who will pay for the additional buses needed on routes near the schools, have not been answered and will factor into the cost. In addition, critics believe any shift is premature until questions regarding security and safety on public transportation are answered. Board members who support the move acknowledge that they have homework to do in order to convince the community to back their plan.
Seattle Post-IntelligencerBy Jessica Blanchard
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