LPSS revamping school bus routes
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – The Lafayette Parish School System is revamping or 'consolidating' school bus routes.
Contracted bus drivers may have to reapply for routes that could be either shorter or longer, potentially affecting their pay. There are various stops along a bus route. The school district aims to streamline these routes. One school board member asserts that consolidating stops will enhance efficiency for both the driver and students.
Joshua Edmond, a school board member, says the aim is to ensure that owner-operator or contracted bus drivers are compensated to the best of the school system's ability. "Some of them have to go all over town to pick up kids and sometimes we can just get those routes consolidated," Edmond stated.
Some drivers insist the change in routes is due to students attending programs outside of their school zone. One driver stated there would be designated pickup points to reduce the distance traveled by both drivers and students.
The worry is about shorter routes that could result in a shorter reimbursement pay for them. "What we are doing is making sure these drivers have the best pay and the best reimbursement but also with the rebid of the routes is just like a contract for a contract driver. You are bidding for the route. Somebody may win that route, somebody may not," Edmond added.
Edmond stated that the board approved an increase in the cost of operations to help with the expense of fluctuating gas prices. "We also will be making sure they get the right adjustment for fuel cost as well," Edmond noted.
The discussion about the reimbursement pay with a recommendation for approval goes before the board on Wednesday, June 12.