According to Texas Central School Bus senior contract manager Jessica Smith, the service received a 91.9% approval rating in its most recent LISD principal survey. Smith shared optimism the service will ultimately meet its internal 95% approval service goal with input from administrators and parents.
Texas Central School Bus operates all 285 district-owned buses and runs 228 routes from homes to Lewisville ISD schools and back.
Smith said 244 bus drivers in total serve the district on a daily basis, down slightly from the 250 who completed the spring semester–including 21 drivers who served the district on a standby basis. Another 13 bus driver recruits are attending permit classes, and five recruits are receiving behind-the-wheel training for an expected net gain in drivers, according to the presentation.
Ridership has increased during Texas Central School Bus’ contract term with 15,970 average daily riders to date, according to Smith. The company had an average daily ridership of 4,669 at the beginning of the contract during the 2020-21 fall semester.
Smith also shared 5,463 accounts have been established within the “Here Comes The Bus” mobile application, which tracks bus locations. She said the sheer number of actual users is higher since parents and students can share an account.
Smith said there are masks and cleaning supplies on board each bus to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Drivers have the choice to wear a mask, she said.
