Could A Two-Tier Bus Help Out Bismarck Public Schools?

At first thought, why not? I'm guessing that would be pretty cool for the students as well

But of course it's not up to me. Just last month, this idea was addressed. According to bismarckschools.org  "On August 19, 2025, Bismarck Public Schools launched a two-tier bus system. This development followed years of study, community engagement, and planning, all aimed at ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation for students"

On paper, it would seem like a perfect plan

Maybe one day soon you'll see Two-Tiered buses driving around Bismarck. All the positive points seem to outweigh any negative ones. "TransPar identified a two-tier bus model, a common strategy employed by districts nationwide where bus routes are staggered between different groups of students, as the most viable solution to the district's needs."

The two-tier system was promoted for the following benefits:

• Shorter bus rides: No student would ride for longer than an hour under normal circumstances.
• Later elementary pickups: No students would be picked up prior to 6:30 AM.
• Fewer buses needed: The district could reduce the number of required buses by nine.
• End-of-day supervision reduced: The majority of buses would now be on-site at dismissal.
• Separated transportation tiers: Elementary and secondary students would be separated into different routes.
• Reallocated funding: The new system could reduce overall transportation costs, allowing savings to be directed to in-school instructional aide support.

( SEE ALSO: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SCHOOL BUSES IN ND )

Not everyone is in favor of this happening

According to the bismarcktribune.com "At Monday's school board meeting, several rural parents criticized the district’s new schedule, saying the system has created safety risks and longer commutes for their children. BPS Superintendent Jeff Fastnacht acknowledged the rollout for the system has not been smooth but defended the change -- maintaining it was necessary to address transportation challenges"

Only time will tell on this matter