The board is expected to vote in December.
Columbus City Schools is weighing three options that would end yellow bus service for about 9,000 high schoolers as it looks to cut $50 million. Here is what ABC 6 reports, what is still undecided, and how to research transportation.
Transportation is a practical part of any family's school decision, and a proposal in Columbus is getting attention. According to ABC 6, Columbus City Schools is considering ending yellow bus service for high school students as part of a budget reduction. This post summarizes the report neutrally. It does not recommend or steer toward any school district, and it does not take a side on the proposal. Here is what has been reported.
What Is Columbus City Schools Considering?
According to ABC 6 On Your Side, published October 22, 2026 and written by Annabelle Kinney, about 9,000 Columbus City Schools (CCS) high school students could see a major change in how they get to school. The district is looking to cut $50 million from its budget.
Michael Brown, CCS Communications and Engagement Chief, said the district transports more than 32,000 students a year.
What Options Were Presented?
The report says three options were presented at Tuesday's Board of Education meeting. They cover high school students, including those attending charter and private schools:
Option 1: eliminate yellow buses and district-provided COTA passes, leaving families to arrange their own transportation.
Option 2: eliminate yellow buses and provide high school students with COTA passes.
Option 3: eliminate yellow buses and provide COTA passes, unless a student has more than one transfer.
How Much Could It Save?
The workgroup estimated the proposals could save the district about $4 million to $7 million, according to the report. The article gives no other cost figures. That range is a portion of the $50 million the district is seeking to cut.
Who Would Still Ride Yellow Buses?
Brown said some students would still be transported by yellow bus regardless of the decision: students with special education needs, students attending job training programs and students attending lottery schools. The report says some yellow buses would still run for high schoolers.
What Data Did the Workgroup Present?
A High School Transportation Workgroup was formed in December 2025 to finalize a plan for busing high schoolers. The workgroup reviewed sidewalks, bus stops and the number of transfers students might need, and concluded that most CCS students can ride the current public transit system.
According to the report, about 3,526 high school students currently use yellow buses and about 5,188 use COTA buses. The article says about 42% of CCS high school students already use COTA.
What Are the Concerns?
Board member Tina Pierce asked the workgroup to provide more detail at the next meeting on how students would be kept safe at bus stops and while traveling to and from school. She said many parents are concerned about safety and security at bus stops and asked that the information be shared with the board and the community.
The report does not include a statement from COTA, and COTA's role is limited to the passes described in the options.
What Happens Next?
The workgroup is expected to present its final proposal in December, when the board will vote, according to the article. No exact date is given. Nothing has been decided, and the options could change.
How Should Families Think About School Transportation When Choosing a Home?
Transportation is one of many practical factors, along with commute, cost, schedule and the needs of your household. If you are relocating or rightsizing and school-age children or grandchildren are part of the picture, it is reasonable to ask how students get to school from a particular address.
I do not steer buyers toward or away from any district, and I cannot say which school a given address will be assigned to. The right sources are the district and the school itself, and your own research.
What Can You Ask the District?
Which school serves this specific address?
Is bus service provided from this address, and for which grades?
What public transit options are available, and how many transfers would be needed?
Are there any proposed changes to transportation, and when will decisions be made?
How are safety and supervision handled at stops?
Ask for answers in writing when you can, and check the district's board materials for updates.
How Can You Test a Route Yourself?
If transit is part of the plan, ride the route at the hours a student would travel. Time the trip, note the number of transfers and walk the stops and sidewalks. Do it on a school day if possible, since traffic and ridership differ from weekends.
Remember that the proposals are not final, so recheck after the December vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Columbus City Schools considering? ABC 6 reports the district is weighing options to eliminate yellow buses for about 9,000 high school students as it looks to cut $50 million from its budget.
What are the three options? Eliminate yellow buses and district COTA passes; eliminate yellow buses and provide COTA passes; or eliminate yellow buses and provide COTA passes unless a student has more than one transfer.
How much could the proposals save? The workgroup estimated about $4 million to $7 million, according to the report.
Who would still ride yellow buses? Brown said students with special education needs, students in job training programs and students attending lottery schools would still be transported by yellow bus.
When will the board decide? The workgroup is expected to present a final proposal in December, when the board will vote. The article gives no exact date.
If school transportation is part of your decision, I would be glad to help you gather questions for the district and map the routes. No pressure, just careful information.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. All real estate services are provided in compliance with Fair Housing laws, RESPA, TCPA, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, and Ohio Real Estate Commission advertising regulations. Equal Housing Opportunity. Chrisi Hagan, Collins Lassiter Group, Red 1 Realty.
