It was the second day of class for most Grand Island Public School students, but the first day bus service has been offered in G.I.

The district hired Holiday Express to provide transportation for the 2008-2009 school year. For students like Robert MacFarland, it's their first bus ride and they're enjoying more than the lift to Barr Middle School.

"You can also talk to your friends on the bus and sit next to them,” said Robert MacFarland, Barr Middle School seventh grader.

"A lot of these students in Grand Island haven't ridden a bus, so when they go on it, it looked like they were enamored with the concept of riding a bus,” said Jeff Gilbertson, Barr Middle School Principal.

School officials hope that translates into an increase in attendance.

"It should improve attendance, especially getting here on time and having a chance to eat breakfast. So definitely over time I feel like we'll have a nice improvement,” Gilbertson said.

Most students catch a ride to class with someone like their parents, but the principal said nearly 200 students find their own way to school, like riding their bike or walking.

"I would guess about 10 percent, maybe fewer, ride their bikes and then a greater amount walk. I'd say 20 to 25 percent walk,” Gilbertson said.

Many of those walkers come from low-income families, which is why the bus system was started. The schools with the highest poverty rate -- Barr and Walnut Middle Schools and senior high -- helped spur the bus program through funding.

"I think it'd be good for some students who can't find a ride to school,” MacFarland said. Especially during those cold Nebraska winters.

"As the weather changes this will be a great benefit to some students, and my hunch is that it will grow,” Gilbertson said.

School officials say they'll have to wait and see whether or not the new transportation system will roll on as is.

About 85 students from three schools took advantage of the bus service Wednesday morning. Officials expect that number to grow.