SANTA MONICA—The LAUSD had to endure serious cutbacks in the face of the harsh economic climate. Included in these trimmings, the school bus system has seen service cuts and route eliminations, which will affect many students as they return back to school this fall.
The transportation reductions went into effect July 1. The School District has eliminated bus routes to five schools including Revere and Wright middle schools, Westchester High School and Palms, as well as Lane Elementary School. The district has also discontinued services for students enrolled in Permits With Transportation program, which the LAUSD says is due to the walking distance to their local school. For students with disabilities, transportation will be provided on an individual basis.
In a letter addressed to parents, Superintendent Ramon Cortines said, “I realize many students may have to walk further to and from their bus pick up locations or school of attendance, which will negatively affect students, families and entire school communities.”
In making these changes, however, Cortines notes that the district is saving over $9 million annually. Unless funding is restored, these service cuts will remain permanent. That being said, the LAUSD assures community members that no bus drivers will lose their jobs, as the eliminated routes will be from the contracted bus companies not from within the school district.
For those families affected, the school district provides parents and their students with alternative pedestrian routes to school available at lausd-oehs.org/saferoutestoschools.asp as well as additional information to help them handle the changes, which is available at laschoolride.lausd.net.
