AHPS Introduces "Mini" Bus Routes to Improve Flexibility During Transportation Challenges
LOW MOOR, Va. — Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is introducing a new transportation backup plan for the 2026-2027 school year with the development of "mini" bus routes designed to help the division respond more efficiently during inclement weather, driver shortages, and other transportation disruptions.
Despite the name, school officials emphasize that "mini" refers to reduced or limited routes, not smaller buses.
According to AHPS, regular bus routes will remain the standard transportation plan for students. The new mini routes are intended to serve as a temporary alternative when conditions require adjustments, allowing the division to continue providing safe and dependable transportation while improving communication with families.
"Our goal is to be prepared while continuing to provide reliable transportation for students," said Christina Lemaster, AHPS supervisor of transportation. "Having mini routes developed in advance will help us communicate changes more clearly and keep transportation running as smoothly as possible when challenges arise, especially during periods of inclement weather."
School officials said the need for the additional planning comes after operating much of the previous school year with fewer bus drivers than desired. By having alternate routes already prepared, AHPS says it will be able to respond more quickly when staffing shortages, severe weather, or other unexpected situations affect transportation.
Mini routes will be developed for every area of the Alleghany Highlands and shared with families before the start of the new school year. Depending on the circumstances, the routes could be activated division-wide or only in specific communities experiencing transportation issues.
AHPS stressed that it remains committed to neighborhood-based transportation and, whenever possible, will continue picking up and dropping off students at their regular bus stops. Officials say the mini routes are not intended to replace regular routes, but rather provide a temporary solution when necessary.
The division is also continuing its recruitment efforts for bus and shuttle drivers. Officials encourage anyone interested in supporting local students through transportation services to apply.
Families are also being encouraged to download the free EZArrival bus app, which provides personalized notifications about bus arrivals, route changes, delays, and any mini route activations.
"The bus app allows us to communicate directly with families affected by transportation changes while reducing the need for calls to entire schools or the entire division," Lemaster said. "The more families who are signed up, the more effective this communication tool becomes."
Parents and guardians can find setup instructions on the AHPS website. Those needing additional assistance may contact the AHPS Transportation Department at 540-965-1809 or by email at [email protected].
School officials say the new transportation strategy is another step toward improving reliability while keeping student safety and family communication at the forefront.