HOW TRANSIT IS FILLING GAPS IN SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Transit agencies are developing partnerships with local school districts in an effort to increase the agencies own ridership, bring cost-saving benefits to schools, and educate children about the benefits of public transportation. This article discusses the various benefits that public transit service can bring to school districts, while also looking at some of the challenges faced by providers as well as riders. Agencies are finding that they need to educate parents to accept public transit as a viable means for transporting children to schools. Students need to be educated on safety issues of public transit. Meanwhile, public transit can help school districts by providing a broader geographical service range, as well as bringing cost savings to budget-strapped school districts.