The Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Transportation Department has worked to improve bus transportation and communication for the coming school year. AHPS is creating "mini" bus routes to improve transportation flexibility during inclement weather and other disruptions. (AHPS Photo)

AHPS Develops Mini Bus Routes to Add Flexibility    Low Moor, VA (July 28, 2026) - Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is developing “mini” bus routes for the 2026-2027 school year to provide flexibility and improve communication when transportation adjustments are needed.   The term “mini” refers to limited or reduced routes, not the size of the buses.   AHPS will continue using regular bus routes as the primary transportation plan for students. The “mini” routes are being developed as a backup option, mostly used during inclement weather when adjustments may be needed to help routes operate more efficiently and safely. “Mini” routes may also be used in other situations, such as long-term bus driver absences or unexpected transportation challenges. These routes will help AHPS respond more quickly while keeping families informed when changes are necessary. “Our goal is to be prepared while continuing to provide reliable transportation for students,” said Christina Lemaster, AHPS supervisor of transportation. “Having mini routes developed in advance will help us communicate changes more clearly and keep transportation running as smoothly as possible when challenges arise, especially during periods of inclement weather.” During the past school year, AHPS operated with fewer bus drivers than needed for ideal transportation coverage. Developing “mini” routes give AHPS another tool to help maintain dependable transportation services while the division continues addressing staffing challenges. AHPS will develop “mini” routes for all areas of the Alleghany Highlands and share information with families at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year. Depending on the situation, these routes may be used throughout the Alleghany Highlands or only in a specific area. AHPS remains committed to providing neighborhood-based transportation service and transporting students from their regular pickup and drop-off locations whenever possible. The “mini” routes are not intended to replace regular bus routes but to provide a temporary option when conditions require adjustments. AHPS continues to encourage community members who are interested in supporting students to apply for bus driver positions. “Our transportation team works hard every school day to safely transport students, and we appreciate those who choose to serve our schools in this important role,” Lemaster said. “We encourage anyone interested in becoming part of our transportation team to apply.” Individuals interested in becoming a bus driver can learn more and apply through the AHPS website at www.ahps.k12.va.us. AHPS is currently accepting applications for bus driver and shuttle driver positions. AHPS also remains committed to keeping families informed when transportation updates are needed. Families who rely on bus transportation are encouraged to sign up for the EZ A2B bus app to receive personalized updates about bus stops, route changes and “mini” bus routes when they are needed.  “The bus app allows us to communicate directly with families affected by transportation changes while reducing the need for calls to entire schools or the entire division,” Lemaster said. “The more families who are signed up, the more effective this communication tool becomes.” The EZ A2B app is free and easy to use. Families can download the app, create an account, link it to their student and begin receiving transportation updates. Families who need assistance setting up an account can access the “Getting Started with the EZ A2B App” guide on the school division website for step-by-step instructions. For additional help, contact the AHPS Transportation Department at transportation@ahps.k12.va.us or 540-965-1809. “We appreciate the patience and partnership of our families as we continue working to provide safe and reliable transportation for our students,” Lemaster said. “Clear communication is an important part of that process.”

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