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Board hears transportation report as parents press about hot buses and aging fleet
Summary
The transportation committee reported driver and bus counts, subscription-busing numbers and class-trip costs; parents and students raised concerns about aging buses, overheating on trips and options to replace vehicles, including fuel type and solar options.
The Edison Township transportation committee reported July 16 that the district currently has 48 drivers (plus two drivers pending approval) and 64 buses, and presented rolling subscription-busing totals and class-trip cost figures for 2024–25.
Committee members said subscription applications and placements are rolling numbers and noted that some buses are aging out (roughly 15-year threshold). The district reported that class trips in 2024–25 required 222 buses and cost approximately $1.35 million overall; JP Stevens and Edison High bands accounted for portions of those costs.
Parents and students raised concerns during public comment about overheated buses on trips and asked whether the district had explored fuel options (diesel vs. gasoline) and alternatives such as solar panels. A student suggested a public service announcement to explain funding and constraints and to describe safety and idling rules.
Administrators said bus replacements and procurement options will be part of upcoming budget discussions in September, and that the transportation director will advise on make/model/fuel choices. The committee said the district had recently purchased about 30 new buses over five years and will plan replacements for buses approaching age-out in next year’s budget cycle.
