District cites bus-delivery delays and pilots illuminated bus-stop signs and morning routes

District staff reported long delays taking delivery of a 44-bus order placed in January 2020: although the buses were delivered to the dealer months ago, the district has taken possession of only one bus because of changes in the motor-vehicle inspection process. "We ordered new buses... The buses were all delivered to our dealership in South Jersey 3 months ago. However, we've only been able to take possession of 1 of those buses," a district official said, adding the district still has coverage for current routes but is concerned about having the remaining buses in hand before August.

On safety innovations, the district said it will pilot illuminated Lumenade bus stop signs to make stop signs more visible in low light. "We've ordered 1 set of signs that'll be arriving this week... it will increase the visibility... including having an illuminated stop sign," the official said. The district also said it is running a morning-transport pilot for high-school students in the walking zone to monitor ridership and attendance impacts.

Why it matters: Bus deliveries directly affect student transportation capacity; the pilot could improve safety at dusk and dawn and shape next year’s service plan.

What’s next: The district will monitor inspections and pilot results and said it will seek to have remaining buses released by late summer.