If you’ve ever visited one of our local schools during student drop-off or pick-up, you’ve witnessed a very familiar scene: long lines of idling cars, and drivers who sometimes toss aside caution as they jockey for an open spot.

With the high percentage of open-enrolled students at Boulder schools, it comes as no surprise that a very high percentage of students are driven to and from school – often more than 50 percent. Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) believes that traffic congestion, additional localized air pollution and safety issues from parents dropping off students or picking them up can be met with positive change.

GObyBus/School Pool is a new program that encourages middle school students to use transit and increase their participation in carpool programs. Complementing existing bike and walk to school activities, the goal of the program is to reduce the number of middle school students arriving at school in single occupant vehicles by 30 percent.
By August 2010, GObyBus/School Pool isexpected to be in full swing. Program features include:

• Discounted student bus passes - Leading up to this year’s Earth Day on Thursday, April 22, BVSD will offer discounted student bus passes and Ten-Ride ticket books to students at Casey, Centennial, Horizons, Manhattan, Platt, Southern Hills and Summit middle schools;
• Support – BVSD will offer support to parents who opt-in to carpooling;
• Incentives – For example, prizes distributed to student bus riders;
• Contests – Such as an alternative transportation photo contest;
• Travel surveys;
• Guide to Riding RTD to School – A brochure with tips that help introduce parents and children to riding public buses; and
• Alternative Transportation Info Centers - Placed in all the middle schools.

GO by Bus/School Pool is managed by BVSD’s Transportation Department in partnership with GO Boulder/City of Boulder and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). BVSD welcomes your interest and ideas, so please don’t hesitate to contact Peter Hurst from the BVSD Transportation Department at  peter.hurst@bvsd.org

Art Courtesy of BVSD's Max's Guide to riding RTD to school. GO by Bus/School Pool program.