Red Star school bus

Sept. 6, 1957 Southeast Missourian

A scene duplicated many times in Cape Girardeau daily: pupils gather at an intersection in the Red Star suburb to board a bus take them to school. (G.D. Fronabarger photo)

Bus Transportation Big Factor in Operation of Public Schools

How important bus transportation has become to the Cape Girardeau public school system is demonstrated as another term begins with another new building in use.

Nearly 1900 children are carried daily on the buses with 13 different buses operating on 28 routes, taking them to and from school.

Such a far-flung system made possible the location of the new Jefferson School in the far southwest section of town; also made it possible to put the new Central High School building at a point where it is fully two miles or more from the homes of some of the pupils.

Cost of this transportation system is $31,000 a year, but the bill is paid by the state. The buses are operated by the Cape Transit Co., under a contract with the school board.

An explanation of the system, which is flexible and can be shifted to fit changing conditions, was made by Supt. L.J. Schultz. Seven buses are operated over seven routes to carry Central High pupils. Six buses run over six routes for Junior High pupils. Five buses over five routes serve Franklin School children. Two buses moving over four routes handle the Washington School children. Two buses following three routes carry pupils of May Greene School. Two buses working two routes take the new Jefferson School children and one bus over one route handles those of Lorimier School.

Difference in school opening time makes possible the handling of the 28 routes with only 13 buses. For example, the seven buses carrying Central High pupils have them at the school in time for opening at 8 a.m. and then can help carry pupils to the elementary schools which do not begin sessions until 8:35. Also in the case of Washington and May Greene, the buses can make more than one trip, with some pupils arriving at 8:15 and others nearer the school starting time.

Under state regulations, compensation for transportation is paid only for children who live a mile or more from the school. When possible and traffic hazards do not prevent ones living closer than that are also carried.

In this previous blog, a Cape Transit school bus stops at the junior high in the 1950s.