DURHAM, N.C. — Durham Public Schools (DPS) is implementing significant changes to its bus service in an attempt to address ongoing transportation challenges. The district, which has faced persistent bus driver shortages, launched a new shuttle bus program this week and is introducing walking zones for students living close to their schools.
The changes aim to reduce bus routes, alleviate driver shortages, and provide a more reliable transportation experience. But with over 1,000 students impacted and questions lingering about safety and equity, many parents and community leaders are left wondering: Are these changes a solution or a new set of problems?
Shuttle Bus Program: Four Days of Service
DPS’s new shuttle bus program guarantees student transportation four days a week while working to prevent consecutive days with open routes. This move is a direct response to the ongoing driver shortages that have disrupted bus service for years.
“If we’re going to help this school year, this is our best shot,” said Matthew Palmer, DPS Senior Director of School Planning, Transportation & Nutrition, during Monday’s board meeting.
The program introduces express stops for approximately 1,000 students at three magnet schools—Rogers-Herr Middle School, the School of Creative Studies, and Durham School of the Arts. Instead of being picked up at their usual bus stops, students will now make their way to designated shuttle points for direct service to their schools.
While DPS officials hope the program will reduce demand on drivers and minimize travel time, some parents worry about the burden of getting their children to these new stops.
Walking Zones Raise Safety Concerns
One of the most contentious changes is the introduction of walking zones for elementary students living within 1.5 miles of their schools. This policy, impacting 21 elementary schools with “adequate pedestrian infrastructure,” could leave approximately 1,000 students without bus service.
DPS has stated exceptions will be made for students who lack safe travel conditions. However, many parents and board members remain skeptical about how safety will be assessed.
“It’s possible that the board is using a little bit higher standards than the administration is giving,” said DPS School Board Chairwoman Millicent Rogers. “But we won’t know until we have more information.”
Rogers, who admitted she drives her own child to school due to frustrations with the current system, emphasized the urgency of the changes: “We have to do something. We have to do something urgently.”
Trust and Timing: Concerns from Leaders and Parents
Not everyone is convinced the district is moving in the right direction—or at the right pace.
“I don’t think we can do that quickly and really listen and get feedback,” said board member Joy Harrell Goff. “My opinion is that we can only go at the speed of trust. I’m afraid we won’t have that trust if we try to do it in January.”
With the board scheduled to revisit these plans on December 19 and consider further implementation by January 22, the timeline leaves little room for public input or adjustments based on feedback.
Saving Routes, But At What Cost?
DPS leaders estimate that these changes will save approximately 30 bus routes, easing the burden on the district’s driver shortage. Yet, the trade-offs have raised valid concerns about equity, accessibility, and safety for the youngest and most vulnerable students.
As the district continues to adjust its transportation strategy, the community will be watching closely to see if these changes truly address the challenges or merely shift the burden to parents and students.
For parents, educators, and advocates, one thing is clear: reliable transportation isn’t just a logistical issue—it’s a cornerstone of educational equity. Whether DPS’s new programs succeed or fail may ultimately depend on whether they can build the trust and support of the families they aim to serve.
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