Some Lincoln Public Schools students could spend as long as 90 minutes on a school bus this year as the district continues to deal with a shortage of drivers and equipment. Transportation Director Phil Skorupa told the LPS Board Tuesday night the district has planned 128 bus routes for the 2026-27 school year but hopes to expand to 150 routes as staffing and buses become available.
The longer ride times are the result of route consolidations made during recent staffing shortages. To help reduce travel times, LPS will shift some neighborhoods from door-to-door pickups to designated corner bus stops. Families affected by the changes will be notified before the school year begins.
Last school year, nearly 4,750 students rode LPS buses each day, an increase of 383 students from the previous year. District buses logged nearly 1.9 million route miles, along with more than 190,000 miles transporting students to activities and athletic events.
Under district policy, LPS provides transportation for eligible students, including those who live more than four miles from their assigned elementary or middle school, certain special education students, and students reassigned because of overcrowding or district needs. The school board may also approve additional transportation services under special circumstances.