Lake County Schools implement 'fee-to-ride' busing

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County School officials are working out final details to reinstate some bus routes discontinued due to lack of funds.

Earlier Monday afternoon, the board agreed to charge a fee to ride for students who live within 2 miles of campus.

It could mean rides for up to 360 students who were initially cut from the buses although 4,000 are affected by the cuts.

Officials decided to implement a $1 or $2 fee to resume bus routes for hundreds of children who are no longer being picked up because they lived too close to campus.

Either way, they are bound to leave many unhappy.

"(During) Daylight Saving Time, I don't want to see children out in the dark trying to find their school. It is a reality," said one Lake County resident.

The board is expected Monday night to reinstate some bus stops it cut because the walk to school is too dangerous after weeks of parent protesting the end of courtesy busing, meaning no pickups or drop offs within 2 miles of a school.

Some say it might not be necessary at all if the county and city provided proper sidewalks and crossing guards.

Based on decisions made at the meeting, the fee-based system could be in place in 30 days.

The hazardous stops and reinstating routes will be hashed out.

WFTV