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East Valley buses cross over
When fuel prices jump, even a short drive can start looking like a money-saving move. That is what happened with East Valley School District near Spokane, Washington.
Some bus drivers began crossing into Idaho to fill up with cheaper diesel. The district serves a wide area near the state line, so that the detour can make financial sense. For schools already watching every dollar, fuel savings can help protect money used for classrooms, staffing, and student services.
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East Valley watches diesel costs
District leaders and outside reporting say diesel costs have climbed enough that even small pricing gaps matter, and one report estimated East Valley can save about $50 to $100 per week by topping off in Idaho when routes allow.
School buses cannot simply stop running when fuel gets expensive. They still have to pick up students, cover long routes, and stay ready for daily schedules. That is why drivers started comparing prices and looking across the Idaho border for relief. A few cents per gallon can add up quickly on large vehicles, and bigger cross-border gaps can make the savings hard to ignore.
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East Valley sees Idaho savings
For the East Valley School District, Idaho is not far away. Its eastern boundary reaches the Idaho border, making cheaper fuel close enough for some buses to reach without a major detour…