If you are like us, you might be trying to figure out your family’s schedule this fall when your kids return to school. Need some ideas when it comes to school transportation options? Finding the right school transportation method can help to make your family’s schedule easier, while also getting your kids safely to and home from school. Here are a few options to consider.
School Buses
When you envision school transportation options, school buses are probably the first mode of transportation that comes to mind. However, school bus transportation is slowly becoming more difficult for kids to access – and in some cases, school buses aren’t an option for students at all because of budgeting issues, bus route cuts, or living in rural areas where routes don’t reach.
Families in Polk County, Florida were suddenly left scrambling for new school transportation options after Four Corners Charter School cut two bus routes just a week before the start of the school year. Budget cuts in Washoe County, Nevada resulted in 3,787 students having to find a new way to get to school after their bus routes were terminated. And, bus route cuts in Jeffersonville, Indiana will mean that high school students will need to walk or find another way to get to school this fall.
If school buses are an option for your family, they can be a great way to get your kids safely to and home from school. They’re free to use, and you just have to worry about getting your kids to the bus stop on time each morning. If you live in an urban setting, then public transportation may be an alternative to school buses, though you’ll need to work around the transportation’s existing schedules and costs.
Walking and Biking
Depending on how close to the school you live, and how old your child is, walking or biking to school may be viable transportation options. Of course, these may not be year-round solutions when it’s snowing or raining out, but during decent weather, many kids may enjoy getting themselves to and from school.
If your child will be walking or biking to school, have a conversation with them about safety. Talk with them about what to do if a car pulls over and a stranger starts talking with them. Come up with schedules so that you know what time your child will be home after school. If possible, have your child partner up with a local friend so they can walk or bike to school together.
You should also learn about Safe Routes to School. This national partnership is working to make it safe for children to walk or bicycle to school. The website has a great resources section full of information and tips on how to keep your kids safe while walking or biking to school.
School Carpools
Carpools for kids are another great school transportation option. Carpools provide many different benefits, including:
- You can schedule them anytime, so if your child needs to be at school early or stay after school for activities, you don’t have to worry about whether a bus is available.
- Carpools give your kids a chance to make friends with other students.
- You’ll often shave time off of the amount of time your child would spend on a bus ride.
GoKid makes it easy for you to set up carpools to get your kids to and home from school. You can schedule carpools with other parents you trust, easily communicate about the carpools, and stay on top of schedule so everyone gets to school on time. Plus, you only have to drive on some days, which saves you time and gives you more scheduling flexibility.
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There are a number of school transportation options for kids. Finding the right one will depend on your family’s location, your schedule needs, the age of your kids, and the particular options that are practical for you.
