Edwardsville District 7 to reduce bus routes

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Edwardsville District 7 officials are reviewing bus routes and ridership as the district faces rising transportation costs and a projected $900,000 deficit in its transportation fund next year. The district plans to notify families whose assigned bus stops have not been used and may eliminate those stops beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The district's immediate goal is to reduce the number of bus routes by three while maintaining current ride-time limits.

Why it matters

The review of bus routes and ridership is an effort by Edwardsville District 7 to address a growing deficit in its transportation fund, which is expected to reach $900,000 next year. By eliminating unused bus stops and reducing routes, the district aims to create a more sustainable transportation model while still providing adequate service to students.

The details

District officials said the review has identified about 730 assigned bus stops that went unused during the school year, many tied to high school students who sign up for transportation but later drive themselves or ride with friends. As part of the review, the district plans to notify families whose assigned bus stops have not been used and may eliminate those stops beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The district's immediate goal is to reduce the number of bus routes by three while maintaining current ride-time limits.

• The transportation fund is expected to end the current fiscal year with a deficit of more than $350,000.
• The district plans to eliminate unused bus stops beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Once the district determines the system is operating as efficiently as possible, officials said they will revisit larger transportation questions, including school start times and whether the district could move from its current three-tier bus system to a two-tier system.