LAUSD REDUCES BUS SERVICE DUE TO BUDGET CUTS

Jovana Lara | KABC –7 NEWS | http://bit.ly/axdqec

 

Thursday, September 02, 2010 | LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Thousands of students in the Los Angeles Unified School District could be left with no ride to school because the district made $9 million in cuts to school bus services effective this school year.

The cuts were approved months ago as part of an effort to reconcile a massive deficit. But many students at Westchester High registering for classes Thursday were concerned the cuts could make it difficult for them to get to and from school.

The cuts will result in fewer stops on many routes and the elimination of some routes altogether.

Westchester High School student Mark Gibson said he would no longer be able to take the school bus and would see his commute increase from 20 minutes to over an hour using public transportation.

"I mean who wants to take the Metro bus every single day? Who wants to walk every single day?" he asked in frustration.

Sharda Green thought it could even affect school attendance. "They might not come to school. They might stay at home and not come." LAUSD Supt. Ramon Cortines responded that he would watch and see how the cuts affected the district.

"If there needs to be adjustment to the bus service after I see what sorts of things are happening or are not happening I will make that adjustment."

Westchester High School resumes classes on September 13.

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