going to school

So I decide to take the dogs for a walk this morning before going to the office, since I will not be home until late (after all, it's Thursday night!).
It seemed like a good idea.
However I live across from an elementary school. It was "bring your child to school time". Now, when I was that age I rode on a big yellow bus. Where are those things now? Or at least here in Stepford? Actually, all over Houston? Why do all these people have to drive their kids to school? Many walk or ride their bikes if they're old enough. AWESOME! But why do these people have to drive their kids to school? Put 'em on the bus, have another cup of coffee!
Anyway, this mini-walk turned into an obstacle course of SUVs, minivans, bicycles, strollers, etc. The same thing happens on my way to work on the other side of town, within the actual city limits of Houston. Maybe our school taxes don't pay for enough buses. WTF?