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Most families rate Watchung bus service as safe; survey flags communication and a few unsafe stops
Summary
ThoughtExchange’s transportation pilot found generally favorable ratings for bus drivers, route consistency and student safety but identified communication about delays/substitutes and a small group of unsafe waiting locations as priority action areas.
ThoughtExchange presented the results of a district transportation engagement to the Watchung Borough School District Board of Education on Jan. 23, 2025, showing broadly positive perceptions of bus service alongside clear communication gaps.
James Hagga, a ThoughtExchange representative, told the board the pilot produced two parts: a quantitative survey answered by 129 respondents and an open-ended exchange that drew 136 participants and generated 100 unique ideas that community members rated. "We had a total of 129 people who answered questions, 73% family members and 27% staff," Hagga said.
Hagga summarized favorability scores the district can use to measure progress: 77% of respondents agreed the district has provided safe and efficient transportation so far this year; an 83% favorability score appeared on questions about bus service and driver professionalism for the items that drew that sample size; pickup and drop-off consistency registered a 79% favorability score; and respondents rated stop safety at about 81% favorable. The survey showed lower scores on communication — a 57% favorability score — and only 41% of respondents favored adjusting bell times specifically to improve routing efficiency.
Hagga emphasized the qualitative findings from the exchange, which used anonymous contributions and peer ratings to identify priorities. Highly rated comments praised courteous, safety-focused drivers and shorter route durations; lower-rated but material concerns included parents reporting stops on busy roads with no sidewalks, inconsistent timing that left students waiting in bad weather, and occasions when substitute drivers or delay notices were not communicated promptly.
The presentation identified common ground (driver quality, route consistency) and differences (timing efficiency versus route duration), and recommended that improved, timely communication about delays and substitute drivers would reduce anxiety and better manage expectations. The board acknowledged those action items and discussed near-term steps to tighten notification practices with the bus company and the police department when incidents occur.
The ThoughtExchange presentation and full materials will be posted to the district website. The board did not take a formal vote on the survey results but recorded the presentation and identified communication as a follow-up action area.
