Chuck Schumer and Randy Kuhl are worried about high energy costs and school buses. Kuhl is encouraging constituents to fill out at web-based survey on the issue.
In rural areas, where busing is necessary, higher gas or diesel costs will have a major impact. Suburban districts have an easier solution: stop running close-in bus routes. In Pittsford, every student can take the bus to school, no matter how short the trip.
One of the good things about higher energy prices is that it gives us a chance to re-evaluate some government programs that are wasteful and perhaps even harmful. Rising childhood obesity didn't get close-in busing canceled. Perhaps high gas prices will.
Comments
Where I live (Campbell) we are too close to get my daughter bused to school. I believe the set limit is one mile, though I'm not sure.
The timing is right so I can drive her in each morning, but she walks home almost every night.
So even out in the wilderness, we don't bus everyone.
So even out in the wilderness, we don't bus everyone.
I wouldn't be surprised if busing short distances is less prevalent in the "wilderness". I also grew up in a rural area and walked to school (about half a mile) every day. Personally, I loved the freedom of being able to get there on my own.
Growing up in a small town without busing, I had the same experience -- walking a 1/2 mile or so to school. So the current busing policies in the Rochester suburban districts strike me as wasteful and counterproductive.
My dad grew up on the south side of Scranton PA. He walked about 2.5 miles one way every day (I checked the mileage myself), and it was all up hill on the way back.
I walked about a mile and a half one way to Corning East.
Didn't hurt me or my Dad to walk that far, probably helped.
it was all up hill on the way back.
My walk was uphill both ways.
In the rain and/or snow, with the wind at your face, right?
You might be interested in this blog post:
http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/ezraklein_archive?month=07&year=2008&...
It makes the point that instead of having exercise as an "activity", incorporating exercise into your life (walking, going up stairs, riding bike) can keep people in shape. That's why the school bus issue really grates -- kids could be getting a couple good walks per day instead of sitting on a bus.
Exile meant to say that he walked on the left side of the road both ways :)
Exile meant to say that he walked on the left side of the road both ways :)
It is the sunny side of the street, you know.
Exile - that was good :)