In the Plainfield (New Jersey) School District, recent changes in the community's racial composition have made possible a return to neighborhood schools with little or no change in the racial balance of the schools. The reduction of bus routes, planned for 1982-83, is expected to cut costs by $137,600. (Author/MLF)

School boards can cut transportation costs by finding out whether busing required for desegregation can be reduced, whether the district is getting all possible state transportation aid, whether owning or contracting for vehicles is cheaper, whether bus routes are economical, and whether joint transportation programs with neighboring districts can…