Saint Petersburg College student pitches 'Safe Stops' pilot to Pinellas commissioners to reduce school‑bus hazards

A Saint Petersburg College public‑policy student presented a capstone proposal during public comment on April 8 urging Pinellas County to pilot “Safe Stops” — designated school‑bus pick‑up zones integrated into new large residential developments.

Why it matters: The student argued that scattered bus stops force children to wait near fast‑moving traffic and increase congestion; incorporating designated safe pick‑up areas into development design could improve pedestrian safety and reduce inefficient bus routing.

The speaker identified himself as John Grama, a Pinellas County native and soon‑to‑be father, and said his research included interviews with transportation engineers, developers and planners. He described practical design ideas — elongated deceleration lanes, student waiting areas — and proposed a county work group including Development Review Services, the school board and local stakeholders to outline design standards, cost‑sharing models and incentives such as impact‑fee credits or fast‑track permitting.

Grama said his community survey found 52 percent support for Safe Stops and that nearly half of respondents said school bus locations are rarely or never considered during development review. “Safe Stops offer a forward thinking solution to protect children, ease traffic, and support smart, safe growth in Pinellas County,” he told commissioners.

Ending: Grama recommended the board launch a pilot program and form a work group to explore regulatory changes and incentives; no specific county action was taken at the April 8 meeting.