Important note: The following recommendation was approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 23, 2015, as part of a larger report (attached):
DISTRICT 3 (Supervisor Don Horsley)
FY 2015-17 Measure A Request Cabrillo Unified School District School Transportation Pilot $50,000 ($25,000 each year for 2 years)
Improving congestion on Highway 1 throughout the Coastside has been identified as a high priority for the County. Connect the Coastside, the County’s Comprehensive Transportation Management Plan, has identified the re-introduction of a school bus program as a feasible and cost-effective way to reduce congestion. As proposed by the Cabrillo Unified School District (CUSD), the implementation of the school bus service can eliminate 60 round trips per school day which will help mitigate congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The CUSD is requesting $25,000 for 2015/2016 school year and $25,000 for the 2016/2017 school year to support operating costs for the school bus program. A school bus pilot project, serving residents of Montara, Moss Beach and El Granada, was initiated for the 2014/2015 school year and resulted in enrollment of 20 students; there are 27 students that have signed up to date for the 2015/2016 school year. CUSD anticipates it will take an additional two years to fully build ridership.
The CUSD will measure the success of school bus service by tracking the increase in ridership each year and with a parent and student survey to gauge perceived benefits of the District’s ability to provide the route. County staff will prepare a contract for services with CUSD for this two-year pilot. The contract will include performance goals to measure ridership, cost/benefit, and parent/student satisfaction.
Important note: This is a copy of the official report -- item 1 on the Board's agenda.