KELLER, Texas -
The Keller Independent School District is changing directions on an unpopular policy that charged for bus rides.
In 2011 parents began paying for their kids to take the bus to Keller schools. A year and a half later some parents still feel frustrated.
"I have three students in Keller ISD. I have to drive about six mines to take him to school every morning because we didn't want to pay $185 for each student," said Angela Boggs.
On Monday the school board approved a measure reinstating the free ride system for students who live more than two miles away from school.
The district acknowledged the pay system caused ridership to fall off significantly, reducing routes from about 60 to 30.
"It's crazy to have to put that in your budget when you're paying a mortgage and the way the times are," said Stephanie West.
"I guess they found some money somewhere for the buses. I think it's better that way. It cuts back on the car lines, traffic and congestion," added Christine Itzkowitz.
School board president Kevin Stevenson said the about-face is possible because the state is now kicking in more money for transportation than it had been. Also the board considered the message parents sent.
"This year we did have a ridership decline," Stevenson said. "We will now get that reimbursement we were originally told we would get and then didn't get."
