The new routes, which will begin on August 10, will consolidate existing routes while keeping bus stops and buses unchanged from last year. According to the district's director of transportation, the changes address a decline in ridership and will save the district the cost of operating three bus routes. The district also cited a shortage of bus drivers as part of the reason for the decision. No jobs were lost as a result of the changes.
Ruth, the district's director of transportation, said routes that previously had two tiers may now pick up an extra tier. "Let's say there's a route that only has two tiers. Now picked up an extra tier like they had an elementary and a high school, now they're picking up a middle school.
They will get paid for what they work," Ruth said. Parents can track their child's bus route in real time using the MyReaxium app. The route changes also include activity buses for after-school programs.