Transportation report: ridership rising; Robinson contract entering final year, RFP planned
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Summary
The district reported rising bus ridership, ongoing equipment and camera upgrades, and localized overcrowding and route impacts from city road construction. Staff said the five-year Robinson transport contract is in its final year and the district will issue a new RFP after the new year.
Mr. Crowell presented the transportation program evaluation, summarizing ridership trends, vehicle condition and contractor performance.
He said bus ridership is increasing and the district has added a midday run at one school to accommodate abbreviated student schedules. "We are in the fifth year, fifth and final year of our contract with Robinson," Mr. Crowell said, noting the original award was in 2021 with up to two one-year extensions. He told the board a new RFP will be issued after the first of the year and that prospective contractors have already inquired.
The report noted improvements in inspection pass rates and ongoing upgrades to onboard video cameras and sound systems; most buses in the fleet are less than five years old. Mr. Crowell also flagged concerns about occasional overcrowding and route impacts from city road construction that can temporarily shift stops. He described bus monitors as district employees who typically work mornings and afternoons to assist drivers and support student behavior and safety.
No action was taken at the meeting; staff said they will move forward with planning the RFP and continue monitoring operations.