Rising diesel prices push Arizona school districts to rethink transportation costs

Arizona's Cave Creek Unified School District is adjusting how it runs its buses as diesel prices climb. The article cites AAA data showing the national average for diesel was $3.69 per gallon a year ago and $6.32 last week. It attributes the increase to the ongoing Iran war, which has disrupted supply chains and slowed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.

The district's fleet supervisor says he orders about 7,000 gallons of diesel in a typical month for a 24-bus fleet. Buses usually refuel two or three times a week, and daily on longer routes toward the edges of the Phoenix area. In response, the district is combining routes where it can, tracking mileage by GPS, and using more gasoline-powered buses, which the supervisor says get roughly 14 miles per gallon versus about five for diesel buses. It is also stepping up maintenance, such as more frequent air filter changes, and has raised what it bills schools for field trips. The supervisor says all sports routes are still running, though some neighboring districts cannot say the same.

A lead driver says higher fuel costs limit the district's ability to raise pay and attract drivers. A school business officials association executive says most Arizona districts are under similar pressure. He explains that districts typically draw on contingency funds first, then look for savings, and must stay within their legal budget authority, which could mean giving up other expenses.