The authors of a new report on transportation challenges in education, published in the Harvard Business Review, argue that the problem stems from the bureaucratic inertia, archaic structures, and skilled responsibilities of school districts. The lack of funds is less of an issue than the inability to change how that money is spent. This report makes several recommendations for districts to make their transportation more effective. In this article, we will examine a few of them.
First, consider the social distancing among children. Social distancing reduces the number of children who can safely ride the bus. Despite this, school districts must consider alternative transportation methods to ensure that every child gets to school. One option is to expand bus routes, require parents to reserve seats, or contract with third-party vendors. These options will increase student safety, but they will put pressure on the already fragile operations. In addition, transportation coordinators will have to deal with varying school year starts and ends, and the distribution of students.
A solution for school districts that are struggling to provide adequate transportation for students is to develop innovative ways to attract new bus drivers. Increasing pay and offering more hours of employment could encourage drivers to join the ranks of school-bus workers. In addition to increasing wages, school districts can also hire bus drivers to serve as classroom assistants, cafeteria workers, and groundskeepers. However, despite the problems of school transportation, these innovative solutions can bring substantial long-term savings.
A number of respondents expressed concerns regarding the inability to plan for the transportation needs of each student in their district. While a majority of students ride a school bus to school, many students are not able to afford it because they live far from the campus. Students with special needs, foster youth, and those experiencing homelessness, may also need alternative transportation. It’s also important for school districts to provide transportation to all students to avoid a lack of safety.
In addition to transportation issues, school districts also face the problem of recruiting and retaining school bus drivers. A school district may find it easier to recruit and retain bus drivers if it prioritizes in-person learning. In such cases, a mix of online and in-person schooling is the best solution for keeping physical distancing guidelines and getting students into classrooms. So what’s the answer to these transportation challenges in education?
While some universities have made strides in providing better transportation, others are still grappling with the problem. American University has partnered with local agencies to provide students with an affordable transit pass. The American University, for example, recently started a program that provides unlimited use of Washington, D.C. buses, and subways. And Valencia College in Florida has opened a new educational center in a neighborhood near public transportation but with limited educational options.
As more students drive to school, the need for student parking has increased. Large parking lots must be monitored, and should interface with the rest of the building. Large parking lots should also be adjacent to community-use areas, which are needed for after-school and weekend downtown use. Finally, proximity to onsite athletic facilities is also important. With all of these issues, transportation in education is crucial to the success of any school. A well-designed transportation network will help make this possible.
