Bus Stop Location Guidelines

In the formulation of student bus stop locations, a comprehensive evaluation of various factors is undertaken to ensure adherence to State law and School Board guidelines governing the establishment of safe school bus stops. Recognizing the potential complexities associated with bus stop locations, the considerations for establishing new stops or reviewing existing ones include:

• Thorough examination of safety concerns within the waiting/loading zone.
• Assessment of student accessibility to the bus stop.
• Evaluation of hazardous walking routes in accordance with 67 PA Code 447.1 et seq, with compliance to the relevant regulations.
• Adherence to School District policy 810A, specifying distances between bus stops.
• Compliance with the State-mandated distance for activating school bus 8-way warning lights and stop signs.
• Proactive avoidance of the inherent dangers associated with the backing of school buses, with route and stop locations designed to eliminate the need for buses to reverse.
• Route planning to circumvent travel into cul-de-sacs, dead ends, or unpaved roads.
• Limitation of bus entry into developments until road dedication is confirmed through written documentation received by the Transportation Department, with subsequent determinations based on safe travel considerations.
• Acknowledgment of potential hazards at school bus stops along heavily traveled roads and highways, with a preference for right-hand stops to minimize student exposure to roadway crossing.
• Acknowledgment that requested bus stops must align with established stops serving the designated school of attendance.

The Transportation Director is entrusted with the responsibility of formulating all bus routes in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the School Board of Directors. Modifications to these routes are subject to thorough review and approval by the Transportation Coordinator through the School Board. It is emphasized that School Bus Drivers are prohibited from altering stop locations. Any deviation from established stops constitutes a violation of Board policy and the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code, leading to potential disciplinary action and citation issuance with associated fines.

Procedure for Requesting Stop Location Change

To initiate a request for a bus stop location change, please complete the Bus Stop Change Request Form in its entirety. Clearly indicate the requested stop location, provide a detailed reason for the request, and specify whether the request pertains to the morning (A.M.) and/or afternoon (P.M.) assignment.

Submit the completed form to the Transportation Department via one of the following channels:

Email  OJRtransportation@ojrsd.net

Mail  Transportation Department

901 Ridge Rd

Pottstown, PA 19465

Upon receipt of the form, the Transportation Department will diligently review the request, apply the aforementioned criteria, and respond in a timely manner.