MUSD announces 'pilot project' bus route to Freedom Crest

By Doug Spoon, Editor

While awaiting word on its application for grant funding to bring bus service back to the general student population, Menifee Union School District is preparing to introduce a single bus route as a pilot program early next year.

The route will serve students in the neighborhoods along McCall Boulevard from the 215 Freeway east over the hill to Menifee Road and south to Freedom Crest Elementary School. District officials said this route was selected because the distance is one of the longest students have to travel to a school in the district.

There would be only two bus stops – one at Hans Christensen Middle School (27625 Sherman Road) and one near 28301 Encanto Drive.

“This route is expected to provide a safe, efficient, and reliable means of transportation for up to 255 students, reducing the burden on families and promoting school attendance,” stated the agenda item approved by the MUSD Governing Board on Monday.

“The selected stop locations were chosen based on their proximity to neighborhoods with a high concentration of enrolled students and their accessibility for bus operations. Additionally, these stops align with district safety standards and ensure minimal disruption to traffic flow.”

Josue Reyna, Director of Communications for MUSD, said the new route may begin as early as February, providing that drivers are hired and ready to proceed.

“Families in the designated area will be communicated with and may apply for the service,” Reyna said. “Additionally, families in the designated area who participate in the free/reduced lunch program will receive transportation services at no cost.”