After nine years under contract with D.S. Bus Lines, the Shawnee Mission School District signed a new bus contract with Zūm — a ten-year old busing company based in Redwood City, California — on Feb. 24, for the 2026-2027 school year. The seven-year, $21 million per year contract comes with an $18 million up-front cost for SMSD compared to DS Bus Lines’ contract of $12.7 million per year, according to a KSHB news article.  Zūm plans to hire 168 bus drivers, 99 attendants and 16 van drivers, as well as outfitting a brand-new fleet of approximately 180 buses, according to the Johnson County Post. To read more, click the link in bio. #storybychristopherlong #designbylylaweeks #designbybellabroce