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Strapped Schools Say Bye to Bus Rides

New generation can tell grandkids they walked to school

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 7, 2008 7:55 PM CDT
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(Newser) – As high gas prices strangle US school budgets, more officials are cutting back where it hurts student scores least: school buses. Some schools are limiting or redesigning bus routes, but others have nixed busing entirely, leaving thousands of kids to hoof it under adult supervision. Some parents object, but many are thrilled to see kids walking like they did, Newsweek reports.

"Parents are buying into it more and more," said one principal whose school cut busing entirely. But the move has an ecological downside when parents decide to drive their kids; the carbon footprint "of one schoolbus replaces 36 private vehicles," one expert said. Other families are simply enjoying the trek. "It's like recess before school," one student said.

California's first and only hybrid school bus from IC Bus celebrates one year of operation with Napa Valley Unified School District. The hybrid bus provides double the fuel economy of standard buses.
California's first and only hybrid school bus from IC Bus celebrates one year of operation with Napa Valley Unified School District. The hybrid bus provides double the fuel economy of standard buses.   (AP Photo)
One way to cut back on bus usage is obvious: have more children walk to and from school.
One way to cut back on bus usage is obvious: have more children walk to and from school.   ((c) davilla)
Many US school districts are trimming tight budgets by eliminating or redirecting school buses.
Many US school districts are trimming tight budgets by eliminating or redirecting school buses.   (Shutterstock)
High gas prices have forced some US school districts to cut back on buses.
High gas prices have forced some US school districts to cut back on buses.   (Shutterstock)
First Student, Inc., North America's leader in student transportation, is taking delivery of nearly 2,000 brand new school buses from Navistar's IC Bus, LLC.
First Student, Inc., North America's leader in student transportation, is taking delivery of nearly 2,000 brand new school buses from Navistar's IC Bus, LLC.   (AP Photo)
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Try pooling or walking it, says Fla. district
St. Petersburg Times (Russia)

Colo. kids gear up for cycling
Boulder (Colo.) Daily Camera

Busing woes a headache for one Ohio district
Stowsentry.com

 
environment • conservation • transportation • gas prices • school districts • school budget • fuel costs • school bus

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