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August 25, 2022 Community Update: 2022-2023 BCPS Transportation Update

Information for 2022-23

August 25, 2022 Community Update: 2022-2023 BCPS Transportation Update

Dear BCPS Families,  

As we prepare for the first day of school, we want to provide you with an update on BCPS transportation services.  

Our school buses transport more than 77,000 students – twice each school day – and we want to ensure that we provide safe and timely transportation for all students this school year. We have been working to improve our processes and enhance transportation services in preparation for the new school year. However, it is important to note that school systems across the state and nation continue to work through the impacts of a nationwide bus driver shortage. Our goal this summer was to hire 90 bus drivers. To date, BCPS has hired 42 new bus drivers and 14 bus attendants. 39 additional bus drivers are working with Human Resources to complete pre-employment processes. As a result of the continued shortage, we do anticipate that certain routes may operate later than normally scheduled. We are working to minimize delays as much as possible and we will provide families with timely updates regarding bus service and potential delays throughout the year. 

Our recruitment efforts are ongoing and we have taken the following additional steps to improve our services:  

  • Reviewed and reset routing procedures and practices. This includes a current upgrade in the software that is used to support student and school bus routing. 
     
  • Updated discipline reporting and infraction/consequence guidance that includes a range of consequences for dangerous and/or repeat behaviors including removal from the bus. 
  • Launched a pilot program for a mobile and web-based application for upgraded communication and real-time data regarding the location of school buses. Identified families will be notified after the start of school. 
  • Implemented two-way bus radios that will enable all bus drivers safe, efficient, and effective real-time communication with Office of Transportation staff while buses are on the road. 
  • Provided pay raises, pay scale adjustments and bonuses to attract new staff and retain existing staff. 
  • Extended the middle and high school morning drop off windows. These extended windows will allow bus drivers to transition to the next part of their scheduled trip more quickly and efficiently. 
  • Implemented the Northeast Area school bus transportation opt-in pilot to confirm ridership. 
  • Utilizing newly approved and allowable alternative school vehicles to better support and enhance service for students with disabilities and displaced students. 

BCPS remains committed to providing safe, effective school bus service for every eligible bus rider as defined in Policies and Rules 3410 and 3420.  We encourage all students to use crosswalks and practice safe procedures when walking along bus loops and roadways.     
 
Thank you for your patience as we work through the start of the school year. We know there will be some glitches and necessary service adjustments. Our staff are ready and committed to working through any issues or challenges that may arise.  If you have any questions about your child’s FOCUS transportation bus assignment or service, please email [email protected] or call 443-809-4321. Additional customer service staff will be onsite Monday, August 29, 2022 – Friday, September 9, 2022, to support families. Due to the high call volume we normally experience at the beginning of the school year, we encourage the use of email. Emails will be responded to within 24-48 hours. 

Important Transportation Resources for Families 

HOW TO: Creating a Parent Account in FOCUS 
BCPS Department of Transportation website 
August 11, 2022 Community Update: Transportation Procedures and Expectations 

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