The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA), Denton Independent School District (ISD) and the City of Denton are proud to announce the launch of a new pilot program that will provide better transportation options to Ryan High School students around the Parent Responsibility Zone. The program will allow students living along East McKinney Street and within two miles of Ryan High School to ride DCTA’s existing Denton Connect Route 3 to and from school. Per state guidelines, Denton ISD only provides bus transportation to students that live more than two miles from their campus.
Families have been notified of the plan and will be able to purchase DCTA bus passes for $10 per month, a 75 percent discount or the equivalent of a 50-cent bus fare per day. Students will board and depart buses along stops already outlined on DCTA’s Connect Route 3. The pilot program will continue through the months of April and May, with bus passes available for June 1 and 2 – the last two days of the school year.
“As always, our primary concern is to ensure the safety of our students and we feel this program will allow us to do that by taking students off streets where there is heavy construction and limited or no access to sidewalks,” said Mario Zavala, Denton ISD Director of Communications and Community Relations. “We greatly appreciate the City of Denton and DCTA in working with us to provide a measure for our families to ensure their children get to school safely.”
The City of Denton is working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to take over the planned expansion of McKinney Street, allowing for a quicker turnaround on the project. City of Denton officials, however, have said the construction project of widening the road and adding sidewalks could still take a few years.
“The City of Denton is committed to working with our partners at the school district and DCTA to ensure students can travel safely as we continue to work with TxDOT to improve the roadways,” said George Campbell, Denton City Manager. “Moreover, I appreciate the willingness of these agencies to come together and find creative solutions to this critical project for our community.”
The plan also includes the ability for all Denton ISD families to learn about DCTA’s various transportation services such as the A-train and direct pickup, as well as discounted rates offered through the agency’s Summer Youth Pass program.
“DCTA is proud to partner with Denton ISD and the City of Denton to provide a safe transportation alternative for students around Ryan High School,” said Nicole Recker, DCTA Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “This pilot program is a great temporary solution that will give Denton ISD and the City of Denton the necessary time to establish a comprehensive, long-term plan.”
At the end of the school year, the three partnering agencies will evaluate the program to determine the effectiveness of the pilot program and identify options that may further enhance safety for students and residents in the area.
Ryan High families can purchase bus passes and get additional information at Ryan High School or by calling 940.369.3000.