Indiana

Get on the Bus

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

The nice thing about being back from vacation means you get to dive in all the issues that you missed while tanning on the beach with a cocktail and cigar.  Ok, I’m just kidding about the cigar part.

But seriously folks, one of the big issues right now involves school districts and theirtransportation programs.   There is talk that because of property tax caps, several school districts may have to cut transportation funding because there won’t be enough money in the budget.

For example, Beech Grove schools are asking for residents to take less of a property tax cut, otherwise it will eliminate bus service from its budget.   I find the threat highly suspect for a school district that is only four square miles in size, but that’s beyond the point.

Is there any reason why any school district in Marion County has bus service?  Why not consolidate their transportation budgets and create a uniform system of transportation with shared costs.  Or here’s a better idea.  Why not use IndyGo for high school student transportation?   Why can’t districts work out a deal with IndyGo, pay a certain amount to provide students with bus cards, and they can ride for free. I’m sure IndyGo could adjust some of the routes during the week to accomodate students.

With IndyGo providing service for high school students, districts can save on their transportation costs since they are now only paying for elementary and middle school.  And another side benefit is that you get people use to taking mass transit at an earlier age so it’s no big deal when they become adults.

Now to do this requires something school districts are notorious for not doing; looking for creative and innovative ways to deliver non-instructional services.  But then again, why should they when it’s so much easier to use fear tactics and avoid making tough choices.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on August 25, 2009 (boomark / email).