Some Austin ISD students to be picked up at 'hub' instead of neighborhood next school year

Some Austin ISD magnet and choice-program students will no longer have neighborhood bus pickup as the district transitions its transportation routes, according to a news release.

What you need to know

All Austin ISD magnet schools and an all-girls college preparatory high school will use a “hub model” for transportation, which include the following schools:

• Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders
• Kealing Magnet School
• Liberal Arts and Science Academy
• Lively Magnet School

The new hub model means that students will no longer be picked up in their individual neighborhoods and will instead be picked up at their nearest AISD middle or high school, called their “hub.” Families can find their nearest hub at the Transportation Hub Spots Locator website.

Students will be assigned to their nearest “hub,” but families can call the transportation department directly at 512-414-0238 to request a different hub location.

Families will be responsible for making arrangements to get their child to and from the hub location, officials said.

The new hub model will go into effect for the 2025-26 school year.

What else

The decision comes as Austin ISD is working to “address financial challenges” with their operational budget, the news release said. The district is currently projecting a $110 million shortfall at the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year, as previously reported by Community Impact.

The transportation hub model will reduce costs with bus maintenance, such as gas and mileage.

For more information visit www.austinisd.org/transportation/bus-hub-faqs.