Louisiana Parents Sound Off On Car-Rider VS Bus Rider—Which is Worse in this Heat?

It seems like Louisiana has been under a heat advisory every week this summer. While the 'Fall Semester' has started for students, it doesn't feel like fall just yet.

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Now that school is officially back in session, do you drive your kids to and from school? Or do they ride the bus?

While those are two crucial questions, the bigger question is which is worse during this record-breaking heat wave, which is more like a heat tsunami.

Local Parents Sound Off

We asked the community if they were car or bus riders, and many of you answered and shared stories with us. The vast majority of comments said that they were bus riders, and more than one said that they had to chase the bus down a few times because if they missed it, they would have to figure out a way to get to school on their own without the help of a cell phone.

Others commented and said they cherished their rides to school with either their mom, dad, or sibling. Many parents shared that this is the time when they have their kids' full attention and catch up on what is going on at school.

Don't forget the walkers and bike riders!

This post quickly reminded us how many people walked and biked to school back in the day. There certainly are kids who still live close enough to walk, but many parents said that while they themselves walked to school, now they worry about the safety of kids or teens walking to and from school alone, even if they do have cell phones. Not to mention those of you who said you had to walk to school rain or shine, but could you handle walking in the extreme heat wave we are currently experiencing?

Bike riders were easily the coolest kids at school. No questions asked.

Let's Play Would You Rather—School Transportation Edition

Louisiana has been dealing with extreme heat all summer, raising some serious concerns about student transportation. 100 school buses in central Louisiana were operating without AC last school year, making conditions for the bus drivers and students on board less than ideal.

According to Louisiana Illuminator, "Only two of 44 school buses in Calcasieu Parish have air conditioning, and they are used specifically for special education students. Just a third of the school buses in East Baton Rouge Parish and 79 of 278 school buses in Rapides Parish have air conditioning."

It appears to be an on going issue in 2024 that has not been properly addressed, despite legislation being proposed to make having a properly functioning AC on all public school buses mandatory.

"The Louisiana House has rejected legislation this week that called for all public school buses to have heating and air conditioning by 2027. The proposal would have also required that all school buses bought after August 1, 2024, have heat and air. State Senator Cleo Fields, D-East Baton Rouge, authored Senate Bill 26."

Some parents have no choice but to send their kids on the bus while others refuse to send their children on an unairconditioned school bus every day during the extreme heat we are facing in Louisiana.

If You'd Rather Brave the Carline

For those that are waiting in school carlines twice a day every day in this heat, there are also cons that should be considered. Do you keep your car running with the AC cranked up and risk idling or stalling your vehicle? Not only is the heat hard on us but it also takes a toll on our vehicles and having them parking and running for long periods of time does put it at risk.

Your second option is to turn your car off and roll the windows down. This seems like a less viable option for parents who have to get in the carline a few hours early. Maybe invest in one of those Disney World portable fans that also mist your face when you turn it on.

The jury is still out on which is worse but whichever you choose, stay safe and do your best to stay cool out there.