2/10/17
by News Department on 02/10/17Wolf proposes bus bids...
Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed state budget for fiscal 2017-18 would provide nearly $500 million for student transportation, which is $50 million less than the current level.
Officials from the Wolf Administration say State spending can be trimmed by $50 million if school districts control student transportation costs better and put bus contracts out for competitive bidding.
The administration said the governor hasn’t proposed a specific replacement formula yet. A new formula should reflect actual costs, efficient management of bus fleets, fuel prices, district geography and transportation of special education students.
State Budget Secretary Randy Albright also said districts should be required to put school transportation contracts out for competitive bids.
About 80 percent of pupil transportation in Pennsylvania is contracted out to private firms.
