Kids of Columbia Public schools can expect to ride in new busses starting next fall.
The Columbia Board of Education voted unanimously on Monday to get a new bus service when the current First Student bus service contract ends. The board approved to contract Student Transportation of America based out of Wall Township, N.J.
School District spokesperson Michelle Baumstark said they considered many factors when deciding to contract Student Transportation of America instead of the current provider First Student. The biggest being cost, current level of service and an adequate size for bus fleets.
Baumstark said “certain incidents” have drawn attention to service problems with First Student.
“Level of concerns from our parents and patrons has been increasing,” Baumstark said. She adds that late busses are currently their most common problem.
The Columbia School District currently has 200 busses for fleet, and the amount needed is only increasing.
“Significant commitment [from a bus company] is necessary to provide adequate transportation for the school district,” Baumstark said.