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Houston ISD Introduces New Transportation Plans for 2025-2026

A Houston ISD school bus prepares to pick up students as part of the new transportation plans for 2025-2026.

News Summary

The Houston Independent School District is set to implement significant changes to student transportation in the 2025-2026 school year. Key updates include streamlined communication for parents, reduced ride times, eligibility criteria for bus service, and options for high school students to use public transportation. The district aims to enhance overall safety and comfort while managing budget concerns. HISD will also survey families for initial transportation requests, ensuring that parents have input in these important updates.

Houston ISD Unveils Exciting New Transportation Changes for Students in 2025-2026

Hey there, Houston! Big news is coming your way as the Houston Independent School District steps up its game to make student transportation better than ever for the 2025-2026 school year. The changes were shared in a lively YouTube video, where the district’s Chief of Operational Effectiveness, Kari Feinberg, laid out the new plans that are sure to make a big difference for students and parents alike.

Who Can Ride the Bus?

Let’s kick things off with some details that many parents will be particularly interested in—who qualifies for the bus transportation service? Here’s the scoop:

Students who attend their zoned school and live more than two miles away.
Students enrolled in magnet schools, which allow students to attend any HISD school across the district.
Students facing hazardous routes to school can also count on bus service.

Reduction in Ride Times

But wait, it gets even better! The district is committed to reducing those long bus ride times that can make mornings a slog. For the upcoming school year:

No student riding to their zoned school will have a journey longer than 50 minutes.
Students attending magnet schools will have a maximum ride time of 80 minutes.

Streamlined Communication for Parents

One of the major changes is how parents will communicate their transportation needs. Instead of going through the school campus to make requests, parents can now contact the transportation department directly. This is a big win for parents looking for more streamlined options.

Public Transport Options for High Schoolers

High school students have the chance to hop on public transportation via METRO too! Eligible students in grades 9-12 can choose between a METRO pass or a regular HISD bus, with the district picking up the tab for those METRO passes. This formal partnership between HISD and the transit agency is a great opportunity for families.

Communication and Surveys on the Way

Keep an eye on your inbox—HISD families will receive detailed communications about these upcoming changes in the weeks ahead. Also, a survey will be distributed during the week of May 5, giving parents the chance to make their initial transportation requests for the 2025-2026 school year. It’s all about making sure everyone gets their input!

Adjustments and Budget Considerations

Now, let’s talk about some budget-related news. HISD recently found that a whopping 12,000 students were signed up for transportation services but were not actually riding the bus. This revelation prompted the district to streamline the bus ridership list while still committing to picking up about 13,000 students. The goal here is to not only improve logistics but also to help cut down on transportation spending by about $3 million, especially with a budget shortfall of $528 million looming.

What else is changing? Expect some minor adjustments to bus routes, stops, and pick-up/drop-off times. There will also be some shifts in staffing within the transportation department, with 125 positions closing and 155 new roles opening up.

Focus on Comfort and Safety

Looking to improve the travel experience for students, HISD plans to order smaller buses. These smaller vehicles are expected to enhance heating and cooling efficiency, making for a more comfortable ride.

Finally, if your child has been removed from active bus routes, don’t fret! You can still reach out to the transportation department to request reinstatement. HISD is committed to providing reliable, safe, and efficient transportation while keeping an eye on the budget.

Conclusion

As we gear up for these changes, it’s clear that HISD is making strides to improve the overall school experience for students and their families. So whether it’s through bus rides or METRO passes, it’s all about making those daily commutes easier and more enjoyable!