Since state officials froze school transportation funding levels more than 40 years ago, districts across California have cut back on bus routes or ended them; charged parents hundreds of dollars; or urged students to take public transit instead.
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In California, we invest a lot of money in our school bus system, which is an essential part of the way kids get to school. But the reality is that yellow buses don't work for every child, especially for kids in foster care.
California buses a smaller share of its public school students than any other state, fewer than 9% of students compared with 33% nationwide, according to the most recent National Household Travel Survey by the Federal Highway Administration in 2017.
It does not hit every state equally… But I doubt there is a school district in the country that isn't impacted by this shortage in one way or another.McGee-Hewitt told Hearst National Investigative Unit that benefits, low pay, a surge of retirements, and stress are some of the reasons behind the nationwide shortage.
Penalties for Passing a California School BusIf you don't stop for a school bus when you should, you may face up to $1,000 in fines. Your driving privileges could also be suspended for one year. What's more, if you hit someone at a bus stop you'll have to face the terrible fact that you caused harm to a child.
Driving past a stopped school bus can result in high penalties. Below is a breakdown of the cost of each offense. The first conviction can result in a fine from $150 to $250. The second conviction can result in a fine of $500 to $1,000.
California school buses are not allowed to have cameras on the bus while it is being operated. In some states, these cameras are used to monitor drivers around the bus as well as the behavior of the driver at train crossings and other mandatory stops.
Yellow Flashing Lights are ActivatedIf a school bus has activated its flashing yellow lights, this is your signal that the bus driver is preparing to stop and pick up passengers. You should slow down and prepare to stop.
New School BusesCNBC reports that battery-electric Type A school buses can cost around $250,000, compared to $50,000 to $65,000 for diesel versions. For larger Type C or Type D buses, electric options range from $320,000 to $440,000, while diesel versions cost about $100,000.