In the early days of the school district, the value of public school transportation was immeasurable. It has come to play a pivotal role in ensuring that every child has access to education, regardless of their distance from school. Students, when VISD originated, would either walk, ride a bicycle, or even mount their trusted steeds for the journey to school. However, the introduction of public school transportation has truly transformed the education landscape.
Those who rode horses would tie them up in a nearby stock pen, ready and waiting for their return journey home. However, when the stock pen was needed for cattle, the children would have to leave their classes early to retrieve their horses and make way for the other animals.
As time progressed, Victoria County recognized the importance of public school transportation and took charge of the public transportation system, owning and operating the buses that served as the primary mode of transportation for the students. This marked a significant milestone in ensuring that students could focus on their studies without the worries of transportation disruptions.
The District took charge after growing considerably, and soon, the VISD Transportation Department was operating a fleet of 67 buses and transporting 3,800 students, traveling over 3,000 miles a day altogether. This not only made education accessible to more students but also reduced the burden on families who no longer had to arrange transportation for their children.
Today, the VISD Transportation Department has 38 bus routes in operation every morning and afternoon. During the 2022-23 school year, there was an average of 4,721 bus riders per day. Not including extracurricular trips, VISD Transportation traveled 803,000 miles for their regular routes. These statistics underscore the immense value that public school transportation brings to the district.
From humble beginnings to the present day, the Transportation Department has adapted to changing times, technological advancements, and the growing needs of the District. It has played a crucial role in students’ educational journeys, ensuring that they arrive safely and on time to their destinations. The value of public school transportation goes beyond convenience; it fosters a sense of community and ensures that every child has an equal opportunity to receive a quality education.
As we celebrate 125 years of Victoria ISD, it is clear that the Transportation Department has been and will continue to be a vital part of our District and our students’ success. Happy 125 years, VISD! The legacy of public transportation is one to be proud of, as it has been instrumental in shaping the education experiences of countless students over the years.