Dallas County school buses rolled out of North Texas early Monday, bound for San Antonio. They are ready to take part in what could be another massive Gulf Coast evacuation ahead of Hurricane Ike later this week.

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About 50 buses are prepared to help in the effort, depending on the path that Ike takes after it enters the Gulf of Mexico. Drivers said they are anxious, but eager to provide needed assistance. The buses and their drivers are headed to a staging area in San Antonio where they will wait for word on whether they are needed.

Dallas County Schools is sending only half of the 100 buses they dispatched last week for Hurricane Gustav because fewer vehicles are available with the start of the school year.