Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct information initially provided by Bastrop ISD about the types of bus seat belt harnesses planned for the district’s fleet.
Bastrop ISD is nearing completion of overhauling its 126-bus fleet with upgraded seat belts. District officials said the final four buses are slated for replacement this summer.
What you need to know
During a May 12 trustee meeting, BISD Director of Construction and Planning Lee Raspberry said the remaining buses will be replaced by Gold Star Transit before the 2026-27 school year. Once completed, Bastrop ISD’s fleet will meet Senate Bill 546 requirements ahead of the state’s 2029 deadline.
By the numbers
Passed during the 89th Texas Legislature, the bill requires Texas school buses to have at a minimum three-point, or lap-shoulder, seat belts for each passenger by Sept. 1, 2029.
Once complete, BISD Executive Director of Communications Evan Moilan said the district's fleet will have 126 buses with upgraded seat belts, including:
- 122 buses with three-point harnesses—lap and shoulder belts secured at three anchor points
- 4 buses with two-point harnesses—lap belts secured at two anchor points
Some context
As reported by Community Impact in early 2025, BISD trustees approved a transportation agreement update in 2025 to add buses, routes and driver pay by the 2026-27 school year.
