The East Brunswick Transportation Center plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of students within the East Brunswick Public School District. Every day, this department manages the complex logistics of transporting thousands of students to and from schools, as well as supporting various educational and extracurricular activities. Understanding the operations and guidelines of the Transportation Department is essential for parents, guardians, and students alike.
Who to Contact at the Transportation Department
For any inquiries or assistance, the East Brunswick Transportation Department team is readily available. You can reach out to the following personnel at the Support Operations Building located at 18 Edgeboro Rd.:
Joyce Forsberg – Transportation Manager
Lori Howell – Transportation Coordinator
Matthew Anthony – Dispatcher
Eileen Garlatti – Secretary
Doreen Scardaville – Secretary
Contact Information:
- Tel: (732) 613-6740
- Fax: (732) 734-8480
Accessing Bus Passes and Important Information
Parents can conveniently access vital bus pass information through the Genesis Parent Portal. This online platform provides details about your child’s bus route, pick-up and drop-off times, and assigned bus stop.
Click here to access Bus passes via the Genesis PARENT PORTAL.
The Mission of East Brunswick Transportation
The core mission of the East Brunswick Transportation Center is to provide safe, reliable, and timely transportation for all eligible students. Each day, the department is responsible for transporting over 7,200 students, ensuring they arrive at school ready to learn and return home safely each afternoon. Beyond daily commutes, the department also supports transportation for:
- Class Trips
- Interscholastic Events
- Athletic Events
- Extracurricular Activities
- Late Bus Program (at EBHS, CJHS, and HMS)
Safety is paramount at the East Brunswick Transportation Center. The department is committed to upholding the highest safety standards in all operations, ensuring student well-being during every journey.
Student Expectations at the Bus Stop and Onboard
To ensure a smooth and safe transportation experience for everyone, students are expected to adhere to certain guidelines:
- Punctuality: Students should arrive at their assigned bus stop at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time indicated on their bus pass.
- Assigned Stops: Students must use their designated bus stop. Changing bus stops or using unassigned stops is not permitted for safety and logistical reasons.
- Respectful Conduct: While traveling to and from the bus stop, students are expected to obey all traffic and safety laws and be respectful of neighbors and their property.
For younger students (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade), additional safety measures are in place:
- Parent/Guardian Meet and Greet: These young students will only be released from the bus if a parent, guardian, or authorized adult is present at the bus stop to meet them.
- Return to School Protocol: If no authorized individual is present, the student will be returned to their school. Parents will then be responsible for arranging their child’s pick-up from school, as the East Brunswick Transportation Center will not provide a second transport home in such cases.
Maintaining Order and Safety on the School Bus
Student behavior on the school bus is taken seriously to ensure the safety and focus of the bus driver and the well-being of all students.
- Appropriate Behavior: Students are expected to behave appropriately at all times while on the bus.
- Bus Driver Authority: Bus drivers are responsible for maintaining order and supervising student behavior on the bus.
- Disciplinary Actions: In cases of inappropriate behavior that distracts the driver or endangers others, a progressive disciplinary system is in place:
- Verbal warnings
- Written bus conduct reports
- Suspension of bus privileges (potentially after three conduct reports)
- Seatbelt Use: All East Brunswick school buses are equipped with seatbelts, and their use is mandatory for all students, reinforcing the commitment to student safety by the East Brunswick Transportation Center.
Essential School Bus Safety Rules for Students
To further emphasize safety, students are advised to follow these crucial safety rules:
- Timely Arrival: Be at the designated bus stop ten minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- Safe Waiting Area: Never stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus; always remain on the sidewalk or designated safe area.
- Courteous Behavior: Behave in a safe and courteous manner while waiting at the bus stop.
- Wait for Full Stop: Do not move toward the bus until it has come to a complete stop.
- Respect Property: Be considerate of surrounding private and public property while waiting for the bus.
- Assigned Seating: Go to your assigned seat and remain seated until the bus reaches your stop.
- Stay Inside the Bus: Keep arms, hands, and other body parts inside the bus windows at all times.
- Emergency Procedures: In an emergency, remain seated and wait for instructions from the bus driver.
- Crossing Safely: When crossing the road after exiting the bus, move at least ten feet in front of the bus and wait for a signal from the bus driver before crossing.
- No Food or Drink: Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus to prevent choking hazards and maintain cleanliness.
- Seatbelt Mandatory: Always wear your seatbelt throughout the bus journey.
Students are only permitted to ride the bus they are officially assigned to, as indicated on their bus pass received before the start of the school year.
Alternate Transportation Program: Flexibility for Families
Recognizing the diverse needs of families, the East Brunswick Board of Education, in conjunction with the East Brunswick Transportation Center, offers a limited Alternate Transportation Program for eligible students. This program is designed to accommodate childcare arrangements or dual residency situations.
Eligibility and Conditions for Alternate Transportation:
- Extenuating Circumstances (K-5th Grade) or Court Orders: Requests are considered for K-5th graders with valid reasons or for students with court-ordered joint custody or dual residence arrangements.
- Transportation Eligibility: The student must be already eligible for transportation based on their primary residence.
- Location Boundaries and Bus Capacity: The alternate location must be within the attendance boundaries of the student’s school, and there must be available space on the bus route serving that alternate location.
- Consistent Schedule: To ensure student safety and route consistency, alternate transportation requests must apply to every school day throughout the entire school year. (Dual Residence applicants must provide a calendar based on the court order).
Application Deadlines:
- Regular School Year: Application deadline is July 1st for the school year starting in September.
- Summer Programs: Application deadline is June 15th for programs starting July 1st. Requests after June 15th will not start before July 15th.
- Dual Residence Students: Application deadline is July 15th for the regular school year.
Important Notes on Alternate Transportation:
- Application Forms: Parents/guardians must file the appropriate Alternate Transportation Request Form. Links to these forms were provided in the original document and are available from the East Brunswick Transportation Center.
- Approval and Implementation: Once approved, parents/guardians will be notified, and the alternate transportation arrangement will begin five school days after approval.
- Annual Application: Alternate Transportation approvals are valid for one school year only, requiring a new application each year.
Contacting the East Brunswick Transportation Center
For any questions, concerns, or issues related to bus drivers, bus routes, bus stops, or any other transportation matter, please do not hesitate to contact the East Brunswick Transportation Center. Their dedicated team is there to assist you and ensure a positive transportation experience for your child. Refer to the contact information provided at the beginning of this article to reach the appropriate personnel.
