Houston Independent School District (HISD) has announced a reduction in its bus routes for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year, a move impacting student transportation and district finances. Families within HISD were informed of these changes on Tuesday, as the district aims to streamline its transportation services.
The number of bus routes will decrease from 508 in the 2023-2024 school year to an estimated 423 in the upcoming year. This significant adjustment in Hisd Transportation is primarily due to financial concerns. District officials have stated that the over $50 million spent annually on transporting approximately 9,000 students – encompassing both zoned and school choice program participants – is not financially sustainable in the long term.
The school choice program, which allows students to attend schools outside their zoned area, will be most affected by these route cuts. Approximately 85 bus routes have been eliminated, predominantly serving students enrolled in this program. HISD aims to achieve a $10 million reduction in total transportation expenditures for the upcoming school year through these adjustments.
This decision is part of a broader effort to manage the district’s budget. Recently, the HISD board approved a $2.1 billion budget, amidst discussions about cost-saving measures across various departments. Earlier reports indicated the elimination of 1,500 positions within the district, highlighting the focus on financial efficiency.
According to HISD, route streamlining is projected to save around $3 million. Further savings are expected through enhanced bus dispatch and management strategies. While some routes are being cut, the district has adjusted student bus stop radius. The maximum distance to a bus stop will now be three miles from a student’s home, increased from the previous two-mile radius.
Despite the route reductions, HISD emphasizes that these changes are also intended to improve efficiency in student transportation. The district estimates that the average student’s bus ride time will decrease by approximately 30 minutes. Previously, the average commute was one hour and 45 minutes each way; this is projected to reduce to one hour and 15 minutes.
Families are expected to receive information regarding their updated bus routes before the end of July. HISD maintains that these adjustments to transportation are necessary for the financial health of the district and will ultimately optimize the time students spend traveling versus learning.
