Santa Rosa school bus fees increasing this fall

<p>Santa Rosa City Schools will charge more for students riding the bus this fall as district officials grapple with a reduction in state funding for school transportation.</p><p>An annual pass will increase from $210 last year to $250 this fall, in a move approved by trustees Wednesday.</p><p>The increase is expected to generate $15,000 in addition to the $85,000 the district hopes to save by consolidating bus routes from 26 to 21.</p><p>The consolidation of routes is expected to add about 15 minutes one-way for some riders.</p><p>The plan is based on an estimated 65 percent reduction in state support for bus service, but the real amount of that reduction is still unclear at this point in budget negotiations coming out of Sacramento, said Associate Superintendent Doug Bower.</p><p>Only about 20 percent of the 1,800 students who ride the bus pay for the service. Students whose families qualify for free or reduced lunch ride the bus for free.</p><p>Districts are not required to offer bus service to students except for those in special education.</p><p>Even with the reductions, the district plans to spend $1 million from its general fund to pay for the bus service.</p><p>The board is expected to reconsider the future of its overall bus operation this fall.</p>