Dayton, OH — The Dayton Public School District is taking legal action against the State of Ohio over recent changes to state transportation laws that district leaders say unfairly target Montgomery County and harm high school students.
Busing Restrictions Spark Legal Battle
The dispute began after the passage of the Ohio state budget in July, which included an amendment restricting Dayton Public Schools (DPS) from purchasing Greater Dayton RTA bus passes for high school students. Lawmakers said the change was aimed at addressing safety concerns for students transferring at downtown bus hubs via public transit.
However, while the amendment initially applied to the eight largest counties in Ohio, it was later revised to apply only to Montgomery County — a move DPS calls discriminatory.
“The Amendment […] applied to the eight largest counties in the State of Ohio, but the State narrowed the Amendment’s application even further to ensure that it only applies to Montgomery County,” the district wrote in its court complaint, according to Dayton 24/7 Now.
Claims of Discrimination and Constitutional Violations
In its lawsuit, filed in Franklin County, DPS argues the amendment violates:
- Ohio’s Uniformity Clause, which requires all laws to have uniform application across the state.
- The 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.
- Students’ constitutional right to intrastate travel.
The district called the legislation “arbitrary, unreasonable, and discriminatory,” saying it singles out Montgomery County students while leaving others in similar circumstances unaffected.
Impact on Students and Families
Because of the amendment, DPS is now prohibited from covering RTA fares for students, forcing families to either find alternative transportation or pay $60 per month for passes themselves.
The district says this will place an unnecessary financial burden on low-income families, and could lead to reduced attendance and educational disruptions for affected students.
“This law will be harmful for students and families,” DPS officials said, noting that many rely on the RTA as their primary way to get to school.
Race Against Time to Find Solutions
Since the law went into effect, DPS has been scrambling to come up with alternate transportation solutions before the school year ramps up. Officials say options are limited, especially with the high costs and logistical challenges of providing traditional school bus routes for all impacted students.
The district’s lawsuit is currently pending, and no court date has yet been set.
What’s your opinion on this new busing law? Do you think it unfairly targets Montgomery County students? Share your thoughts in the comments.
