South Carolina Legislature passes bus replacement bill
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a move that could substantially improve the state's school transportation system, the South Carolina Legislature approved a 15-ye...
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a move that could substantially improve the state's school transportation system, the South Carolina Legislature approved a 15-year replacement cycle for its school buses.
The legislation, which was sent to Gov. Mark Sanford, would require the state to purchase 380 new buses annually, improving the age of what officials said is one of the oldest school bus fleets in the nation. South Carolina owns nearly all of the approximately 5,900 school buses in the state.
"The State Department of Education has been pushing for a replacement cycle for more than a decade, so this action by our legislators is appreciated by parents and educators alike," said Superintendent of Education Jim Rex.
The bill also includes provisions that would protect students, such as allowing very young children to be picked up close to their homes, and restricting bus rides to and from school to 90 minutes.
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