SOMERSET — The cost for school bus transportation for the Somerset Public Schools - grades K to 8 - will go up by $114,000, according to The Spectator.

The deadline for the bids was Jan. 11. Two companies came to the pre-bid conference, but Fisher Bus Co., the current transportation provider, submitted the only bid.

The companies were asked to provide two proposals: one with the cost if the bus company bought security cameras for the buses, and another bid if those cameras were purchased by the School Department.

Albernaz said each bus will have three cameras with audio functionality, according to The Spectator. She said the cost per day per bus with the cameras would be $345.50 and the cost per day for a bus if the School Department bought the cameras would be $341. The total cost for school transportation for the next fiscal year would be $861,707. Albernaz suggested to the School Committee that it go with the bid in which the bus company would purchase, run and maintain the cameras.

The bid also includes costs for buses before and after school, to athletic activities and special education vans.

Albernaz said that is very common for school districts to get only one bid, as it represents a large capital expense for a company to take on a new district.

The School Department is going to provide buses before school for Somerset Middle School because with a new schedule that will be implemented next year, band and chorus programs will be taught before school, rather than during the school day. 

The contract with Fisher Bus Company would be for three years with two one-year options.

Trying to save money on bus transportation has been an issue that the School Committee has discussed for many years.