Restructured Bus Routes Save More Than $900,000

When the Hillsborough Board of Education discussed the possible savings that could come from a change in school starting times for the middle school, after a study by Transporation Supervisor Debra Espinoza, many were skeptical. 

The study projected possible savings of more than $950,000 by opening the middle school earlier, thanks to more efficient bus route schedules that would eliminate the need—and costs—for some routes. 

Board members happily approved a set of new transportation contracts Monday that reduce the costs of busing by more than $900,000, board member Greg Gillette said. 

The contracts also included requirements that the buses be upgraded with GPS and video camera systems, as well as an additional level of liability insurance.

"We're very satisfied to know that even with the additional requirements, we still realized considerable savings," Gillette said. He said an updated estimate given during a meeting of the board's Operations Committee shows a savings of closer to $1 million.

The new contracts are renewable each year, with cost adjustments based on the CPI. The contracts are with Mercy Transportation, First Student, Barker Bus Company, Frank D. Valcheck and James Hager Jr. to provide the busing services.