In a unanimous decision Tuesday night, the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Board voted to restore bus routes for approximately 2,900 students, reversing transportation cuts that left many families struggling at the start of the school year.
The decision resumes bus service for all students at Johnson Traditional Middle, Coleridge-Taylor Montessori Elementary and Young Elementary. Additionally, students eligible for free or reduced lunch at Butler Traditional High, duPont Manual High and Louisville Male High will now have the option to ride the bus.
The cuts were originally made due to a district-wide driver shortage, and forced some families to change schools or make major career adjustments to accommodate transportation needs. Parents, students and school officials voiced concerns about the impact, saying the lack of reliable transportation disrupted attendance and learning.
New Drivers, Route Adjustments, and Next Steps
To implement the new routes, JCPS has hired 70 former Transit Authority of River City (TARC) drivers, a move aimed at stabilizing the district’s transportation workforce. The updated bus services are expected to begin on March 17, though officials warn that there may be minor delays as drivers adjust to the new routes.
Over the next six weeks, JCPS will survey parents to determine whether they prefer to utilize the restored bus service or continue receiving transportation stipends, which were offered as an alternative after the initial cuts. Board members noted that some families may choose to keep the stipends rather than return to district-provided transportation.
Despite the reinstatement of routes, students who transferred out of magnet or traditional programs due to transportation issues will not be able to return until the 2025-2026 school year.
Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio stated that the district will ensure students on free and reduced lunch have opportunities to apply for future magnet programs.
With nearly 60 routes returning, JCPS leaders say they hope the move will improve access to education and reduce the burden on families.
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This article appears in Jan 17-30, 2025.
