The Real Reason Columbia Borough Doesn’t Bus Its Students — And Why the Mayor Isn’t to Blame

The Real Reason Columbia Borough Doesn’t Bus Its Students — And Why the Mayor Isn’t to Blame

In Columbia Borough, Pennsylvania, one question echoes through school hallways and neighborhood sidewalks: Why don’t our kids have buses? For years, many residents have pointed fingers at local leadership — especially the mayor — blaming them not only for the lack of student transportation but also for rising concerns about crime. But here’s the truth: the mayor isn’t responsible for either.

A Walking School District by Design

Columbia Borough School District is officially designated as a walking school district. This means the district is not required to provide transportation for its general student population. The schools are located within a relatively compact area, and most students live within walking distance. While this setup may have worked decades ago, today’s families face different challenges — from busy roads to unpredictable weather and shifting safety concerns.

“My daughter walks almost a mile to school every day. In the winter, it’s dark and icy. I worry constantly,” says Maria Thompson, a Columbia parent.

It’s About Funding, Not Politics

Implementing a busing system isn’t as simple as buying a few buses. It involves:

• Hiring trained drivers
• Maintaining a fleet of vehicles
• Creating safe and efficient routes
• Covering insurance and fuel costs

For a small district like Columbia Borough, these expenses can be overwhelming. Without state or federal funding earmarked for transportation, the district would need to raise taxes or cut other programs — neither of which is politically popular or easy.

“We’ve looked at the numbers. Adding busing would cost hundreds of thousands annually,” says a school board member who asked to remain anonymous.

Free Will and Misplaced Blame

Some residents have gone further, blaming the mayor for local crime and social issues. But let’s be honest: no elected official controls individual behavior. Crime is a complex issue rooted in poverty, education, addiction, and opportunity — not in one person’s job title. The mayor can advocate for better policing, community programs, and economic development, but they can’t override free will.

“I hear people say the mayor is responsible for everything wrong in town. That’s just not how it works,” says James Carter, a lifelong Columbia resident. “We need to take responsibility as a community.”

What the Data Shows

• Columbia Borough School District serves roughly 1,300 students.
• About 100 students with special needs receive transportation through contracted services.
• The district has not operated general busing for decades.
• Crime rates in Columbia have fluctuated, but there’s no direct correlation between school transportation and public safety.

What Can Be Done?

If the community wants change, here’s what it can do:

• Organize and advocate: Form a parent coalition to push for transportation options.
• Attend school board meetings: Make your voice heard where decisions are made.
• Request a feasibility study: Ask the district to explore the cost and logistics of adding busing.
• Seek grants and partnerships: Look for outside funding to support transportation.

Let’s Stop the Blame Game

It’s time to shift the conversation from blame to action. The lack of busing isn’t a political conspiracy — it’s a logistical and financial challenge. And crime isn’t the result of one person’s leadership — it’s a community-wide issue that requires empathy, strategy, and unity.