Collegeville and Skipack optimize school bus routes for efficient student transportation

The Perkiomen Valley School District held a special community meeting on February 27, 2025, to discuss transportation routes and strategies for student busing. The meeting focused on the newly designed bus routes for neighborhoods in Collegeville and Skippack, which are the farthest from the West campus.

Transportation officials collaborated with the busing company, STA, to create efficient routes that utilize smaller buses and fewer stops. The routes were tested through mock runs, capturing video footage to analyze traffic patterns and determine travel times. For the Collegeville route, which begins at Collegeville Crossing, the bus made approximately seven to eight stops, with an estimated travel time of 35 minutes in the morning. In the afternoon, the return trip showed minimal traffic, resulting in a similar travel time.

In Skippack, the route started near the Buster Door in Harleysville and included stops at Biltmore Estates. The morning travel time was less than 30 minutes, while the afternoon trip took about 8 to 10 minutes longer due to increased traffic.

The district's transportation threshold is set at 45 minutes, and officials expressed confidence that even with additional time added to the mock runs, they could meet this standard. The meeting also highlighted the benefits of a three-tier transportation system, which allows for dedicated buses and reduced wait times.

Looking ahead, the district anticipates an increase of about 120 students at the middle school level, while high school enrollment is projected to decrease by 75 students. Despite these changes, officials do not foresee significant traffic pattern alterations or the need for additional buses.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring transportation needs and ensuring that students with medical requirements receive appropriate support during their commutes.