For the 2022-23 school year in Menchville, many things have dramatically changed. The most catching shift by far has been the retirement of the charismatic Principal Mr. Bobby Surry. This is not the only change though, as additional policy changes have made their way to affect the lives of many students. One of the most prevalent policy updates is that of the T-Pass, which is used to get on and off the bus each day. Despite its helpful intent, the T-Pass sparked quite a commotion amongst students; many of whom have their own thoughts about the addition to transportation policies.

Loren Osborne (12th Grade)

How does getting to/leaving school compare, before and after the T-Pass?- 

[Because I drive, I’ve] never used one and I don’t need one now.

As someone who doesn’t use them, what are your general thoughts towards those who do?- 

I think they’re gonna lose effectiveness in at least a month or two after people lose them. I hear they don’t prevent anyone from using the wrong bus.

Can you see the good in them?- 

Sure, in terms of safety- nobody not supposed to be on the bus can get on.

Do you see it staying?- 

No. It’ll probably be dropped after enough problems arise.

Anthony Martinez (12th Grade)

How does getting to/leaving school compare, before and after the T-Pass?- 

To be honest, I kinda like the system. It took longer [before], and now it’s much faster. However, there’s a lot of faults; for instance, it’s a bit of a hassle, and many kids don’t have them. It’s handy not having to wait in a line anymore, but I can see it being controversial.

Do you see it staying?- 

I don’t see it staying, just because of the complications of distributing it, people losing it, etc. I just can’t see it with the technological issues. Its whole purpose is checking if people are on the bus, but how often are they going to check that.

There seems to be a common consensus amongst students who were interviewed: the T-Pass is something that likely won’t remain enforced. Even if Menchville has no say in the pass being mandatory, (as it’s a product of the district school board, not Menchville alone) there’s a very good chance they will slowly stop caring. At least that’s what the students hope.