Why the iconic yellow school bus in the U.S is becoming a relic of another era?
The impact on families and schools
Many school districts across the country have reduced or cut bus services. Chicago Public Schools suspended bus services for over 5,000 students in magnet and selective enrollment programs due to the driver shortage. This left families like Marissa Lichwick-Glesne, who has a young son attending a school 20 miles away, without reliable transportation. Their two-hour commute, involving public buses and trains, disrupted daily routines, limiting participation in after-school activities and creating stress.
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Similarly, other districts have made significant cuts. For example, Hawaii’s Central Oahu and East Hawaii Island announced they would not provide school buses, while Houston Independent School District cut services to save $3 million. Jefferson County, Kentucky, also eliminated bus routes for many students. This pattern of reduced services has caused frustration among parents, who have turned to alternatives like carpools, rideshares, and public transport.
Consequences on student attendance
Education experts are concerned about the long-term impact of transportation challenges on student learning and attendance. Michael Gottfried, a professor of education policy, emphasized how cutting bus routes harms attendance, with chronic absenteeism rising sharply in recent years. A report by the American Enterprise Institute found that chronic absenteeism
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