Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - The Rochester City Council is expected to decide soon if it will help pay for the second part of a study involving a proposal to use public buses to transport students.

The Council was briefed on the proposal Monday and told its share of the second phase of the study would be $27,000. The Rochester School District would pay the same cost. 

District Superintendent Michael Munoz told the council the thrust of the proposal is not to save money, although it might. Munoz says the main reason the district supports the proposal is because it would allow the implementation of a one-tier schedule, rather than the current system that has different class start times.

Munoz also told the council the Des Moines district where he used to work has been using public buses for its students for several years and it was a win/win for the schools and city.

Supporters of the proposal also note it would present an opportunity for students to become accustomed to public transportation so they become regular users as adults.

The council was told the proposal would require 22 new buses and 16 new routes. It was also told the the city would have to be “very aggressive” if it wanted to begin the program in time for the 2019/2020 school year.

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