Every day, I find myself carrying two or more textbooks back home. Our current school transportation system requires students to sit next to someone they are assigned to, leading to a cramped and uncomfortable space on the bus. A comfortable start and end to a regular school day would significantly improve the daily experience for all students.

In Ohio, school districts use a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to school bus sizes, disregarding the obvious differences between elementary, middle, and high school students. Teenagers grow rapidly during these years — most high schoolers are nearly adult-sized — yet we’re still expected to sit in the same narrow seats built for small children. It’s uncomfortable, impractical, and doesn’t reflect the basic reality of how students grow.

Ohio law already requires buses to be “adjusted according to each passenger’s individual physical size,” but in practice, that’s rarely followed. Many buses seat three students to a bench made for two, with barely enough room for backpacks, let alone personal space. Cramped seating doesn’t just affect comfort — it can increase fatigue and stress before and after a long school day.

The state of Ohio has an obligation to ensure the safety and comfort of all its students while they travel to and from school. By tailoring bus sizes according to the needs of different grade levels, school districts can create a transportation system that respects the physical space of growing teenagers and promotes a more positive mindset for learning.

The cost of adding larger or mixed-size buses may seem challenging at first, but the long-term benefits are worth it: better student well-being, fewer distractions for drivers, and a school experience that starts and ends on a better note.

I urge local school districts in Ohio to recognize this essential need and take the necessary steps toward adopting a more accommodating and sensible transportation policy. Let’s stand together to make this vital change happen.

Please sign this petition to support fair, comfortable, and age-appropriate transportation for every student in Ohio.