Ohio house budget would bar elementary school students from taking public transit to school

[marmar]

School districts and public transit agencies in Ohio were baffled recently to come across an addition to the state’s school transportation law in the state budget approved by the Ohio House of Representatives that reads: “No transportation to or from school of pupils in grades kindergarten through five shall be provided by way of transit buses.”

Districts generally transport students on school buses, but some — particularly urban districts — contract with public transit agencies for some students.

Outlawing that, say transit and schools lobbyists, would be a big hassle.

Schools testified this week before an Ohio Senate subcommittee considering the House’s budget. They said the restriction on public transit would be costly for cash-strapped districts that would have to buy more buses and hire more drivers. ......................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.cleveland.com/tipoff/index.ssf/2013/05/ohio_budget_passed_by_house_wo.html#incart_river

[Brickbat]

1. Sounds like some house member's nephew or wife is starting up a private bus company.

[HiPointDem]

3. +1. that's probably exactly what it's about with all the charter schools in ohio.

[liberal N proud]

2. Could be interpreted is such a way that school districts could no longer own the buses.

School buses are owed by the school district, a public entity.

Follow the money, who stands to profit on this one?

[HiPointDem]

4. one way or another, it's about privatization.

[liberal N proud]

5. And someone getting rich off the taxpayer.