Updated February 2008

The district has purchased a site for a transportation facility in an effort to be more fiscally and environmentally responsible. It's a more centralized site that will reduce fuel usage and costs associated with it and contribute to a cleaner environment. In addition, the transportation facility allows the district to own the facility as opposed to leasing the facility, saving taxpayer dollars and providing a payback on the facility over a 15-year period.

Q: What is the location of the transportation facility?

A: The location of the Blue Valley School District Transportation Facility is located on approximately 3.5 acres at 137th St. and Riley. The map below indicates the facility's location:

Q: Why was this location chosen?

A: After an exhaustive search, it was determined that this location was the best suited site and less expensive than purchasing land and building a new facility.

Q: How many buses will be housed at this facility and when will they depart and return?

A: Approximately 65-70 buses will be located at this facility that will depart and return during off-peak hours. Buses will exit the facility to begin their morning routes at intervals between 6:15 and 6:45 a.m. and return to the facility between 8:30 and 9 a.m. In the afternoon, buses will exit the facility to begin routes at intervals between 2:15 and 2:45 p.m. and return to the facility by 4:30 p.m.

Q: Will the buses be visible from the main streets?

A: While the buses will be visible as they depart and return from the facility, parked buses are not visible from 135th or Metcalf.

Q: Will a traffic study be conducted?

A: We have relied on the opinions of the professionals at the city of Overland Park to determine if there is a need for a traffic study. At this stage, they have indicated there is no need for a traffic study. Traffic lights will regulate bus traffic. Bus departures and returns will primarily occur during off-peak traffic hours, minimizing the impact on traffic in the area. The city indicated that the impact to the overall network and traffic flow to the area streets is nominal and the area is capable of handling it.

Q: Why is it necessary to purchase the property for a transportation facility site rather than continuing to lease property?

A: The transportation facility allows the district to own the facility as opposed to leasing the facility, saving taxpayer dollars and providing a payback on the facility over a 15-year period. The purchase price was $2.3 million with an additional $250,000 for facility modifications. Current expenses that would be an annual savings for the district include: $93,864 in savings for rent and taxes; $89,279 savings in fuel; and $1,250 for septic. The total annual savings is approximately $184,393. In addition, by the school district having its own transportation facility, the district will be in a better position to negotiate with transportation providers for the best possible contract for transportation services.

Q: How does purchasing the land actually save the district in fuel costs?

A: The central location of the facility will reduce driving miles by 233,497 miles, fuel consumption by 31,000 gallons and a cost savings in fuel of $89,279 per year.

Q: What efforts has the district made to be environmentally responsible?

A: The central location of the facility will reduce driving miles by 233,497 miles, fuel consumption by 31,000 gallons and a cost savings in fuel of $89,279 per year. In addition, the average age of the bus fleet is six years old, which means the newer the bus, the more environmentally friendly. Buses are replaced before they are 12 years old. Older buses are scheduled to have a diesel oxidation catalyst installed that reduces exhaust by an average of 40 percent. There will also be plug-ins available for buses to reduce warm-up time to just a few minutes on cold days.

Q: Will this facility have a transportation office accessible and staffed to address parent questions, turn in transportation forms, etc.?

A: Yes, the location is more convenient for the majority of our parents to interact personally with the transportation provider. The central location will also improve bus driver recruitment efforts.