Attachment 1September 2018 School Bus Pilot Program Implementation
A document of process and efforts that lead to the implementation
of the School Bus Pilot Program starting January 2019
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 1
SCHOOL BUS PILOT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
B ACKGROUND AND PROGRAM GOAL
When Measure B was initially proposed, the Town Council identified potential projects that should be
included with the funding measure with particular priority placed on a school bussing program
modeled after the TRAFFIX program in Contra Costa County. Since this priority was identified, the Town
and the school community have been exploring new transit services customized to meet the needs of
students traveling to and from schools.
Congestion relief around schools is the primary goal of the School Bus Program. The Pilot is focused on
the streets around school that experience the highest levels of congestion.
Upon the completion of a Congestion Relief School Bus Feasibility Study, the Town Council at the June
5, 2018 meeting authorized staff to proceed with a school bus pilot program targeting a January 2019
start date.
In the following months, Town staff undertook two related and parallel efforts. On the supply side,
Town staff completed the selection of a transportation service provider through a Request for Proposal
(RFP) process. On the service demand side, staff designed a draft service plan including three potential
routes and completed customer sign ups. In addition, the study team began preparing a five-year
business plan, which is expected to be completed later this year.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDER
Based on parent and community input, the Council’s direction at the June 5 meeting included a service
model that is provided by a qualified contractor that meets all the Federal and State student
transportation requirements, also known as the “yellow school bus model.” Staff released a Request for
Proposals for Student Transportation Services between July 16 and August 10. In preparing the RFP,
staff consulted with peer agencies in the Bay Area and their service providers to gather information and
learn from existing models. Prior to release of the RFP, staff reached out to potential service providers
regarding the opportunity and sent the RFP documents to them directly. Only one company, Santa
Barbara Transportation Corporation doing business as Student Transportation of America (STA),
demonstrated interest and provided a response to the RFP. Staff evaluated the proposal from STA and
found it meets the needs of the Town with respect to quality and value.
STA is currently providing student transportation for Hillbrook School in Los Gatos starting the 2018/19
school year. In addition, STA is providing regular and special needs student transportation services to
many school districts and agencies throughout California. Reference checks with several of these
agencies were positive. Staff visited STA’s San Jose facility on 7th Street to observe transportation,
maintenance, and dispatching activities.
Town of Los Gatos
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The STA proposal includes a few notable strengths. STA is proposing to use vehicles that are three years
or newer at the start of the service, dedicated to the Town’s service and are equipped with three-point
seat belts as required by State law. The STA proposed contract includes an extensive driver recruitment
and training program, a 10% vehicle and driver spare ratio, and the “SafeStop” parent smartphone
application. Most importantly, STA has a focus on student safety. The contract includes a performance
and staffing management program and performance standards to ensure a high level of service.
The contract amount includes one standard bus (72-passenger) and one large bus (84-passenger) to
support two routes, plus a 5% contingency for unscheduled service overage. The Town has the option
of which bus types to deploy and will make the vehicle decision based on the number of passengers.
Note that the capacity is designed for small children. For older children, the capacity should be
reduced by one third.
The RFP indicated that the Town may be able to provide parking for up to two buses at the Parks and
Public Works (PPW) facility at 41 Miles Avenue. STA provides a separate price quote to use the PPW
facility for parking and will not perform vehicle maintenance or any other activities on Town property.
If the Town and the transportation provider can arrange to use this facility for bus parking, the cost
savings will be passed on to the Town . Staff considered this as a near term arrangement that will be
handled through a contract amendment, if an agreement can be reached.
DRAFT SERVICE PLAN
Based on student home addresses and preferences from the parent surveys, the study team designed
several route options that maximize ridership and congestion relief benefits. Staff verified travel time
and bus stop locations, then made adjustments accordingly to refine the draft service plan. The goal is
to provide the most convenient service while taking into consideration passenger safety and comfort.
Upon completion of the service design, the draft service plan was provided to the public for review in
early August and it was further revised on August 20 (Attachment 1). The draft service plan included
the route maps, schedules, and bus stops. The exact route alignments and bus stop placements would
be confirmed after the bus operator is onboard.
The draft service plan includes three potential routes, which would capture approximately half of the
amenable customers projected in the Feasibility Study:
Route A - Monte Sereno and North Los Gatos to Fisher Middle Blossom Hill Elementary Schools
Route B - Mountains to Los Gatos High School and Fisher Middle School
Route C - North and East to Los Gatos High School
Two of the potential routes serve more than one school. In these cases, the school bell schedules
presented a challenge in schedule design.
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SUMMARY OF CUSTOMER SIGN UPS
Online customer sign ups started on August 20 and the responses were very strong. By the August 31
deadline, there were a total of 150 customers signed up for the service. Table 1 shows the customers
by route.
Table 1: Summary of Sign Ups by Route
TOTAL PASSENGERS 150
Route A - Monte Sereno and North Los Gatos to Fisher Middle Blossom Hill
Elementary Schools
49
Route B - Mountains to Los Gatos High School and Fisher Middle School 64
Route C - North and East to Los Gatos High School 37
Most of the results, specifically where and who the likely customers are, remain consistent with the
conclusions from the Feasibility Study. One surprising finding is the number of elementary school
students who were signed up for the service. In the parent surveys, the interest from elementary
school students didn’t poll very strong. The numbers of elementary school students turned out to be
higher than expected. Figure 1 illustrates potential passengers by school.
Figure 1: Passengers by School
Town of Los Gatos
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Staff recommends the pilot include routes A and B to align with demand, available funding, and desired
scale of the pilot.
Staff explored whether it might be possible to combine Routes A and C so to avoid turning down the
families who signed up for Route C. Although both routes serve an overlapping area in north Los Gatos,
the bell schedules for the three schools are timed in such a way that precludes an effective combined
route as the service quality would degrade too much for a combined route to be attractive to most
passengers. Staff is not recommending a combined route for the pilot.
Staff also believes that it is very important to start the pilot at the right scale, for both budget and
strategic considerations. The cost of providing the service is very high and the Town will need to
increase its subsidy to absorb the cost (additional discussions in the expenditure section below).
Starting the pilot small will allow us to test out the concept and grow into the program.
CUSTOMER SERVICE ELEMENTS
Customer Information
In addition to the draft service plan, the project webpage has a section on Frequently Asked Questions
and the Draft Safety Rules (Attachment 2). These are very important documents that explain the
service and rules of riding the bus. By reviewing the information, families interested in the service may
find answers such as fare details, safety rules, and behavior requirements.
Customer Sign Up and Payment Process
In the pilot a two-step process was used. From August 20th through 31st, parents and guardians would
sign up online. The signups are on a first come, first served basis. Although no deposit was required,
parents were asked to acknowledge that by submitting the sign-up form, they commit to a financial
obligation to pay the full price if the route they selected is included in the pilot. In September the Town
Council will take an action to implement the pilot and choose two routes. Starting in October parents
who already signed up will be notified to purchase the passes. The program will offer a few options for
parents to purchase the passes, including an online payment portal.
Bus Sizes and Capacity
In order to accommodate the potential passengers, staff considered both the standard (Type C) and
large (Type D) buses and requested cost proposals in both sizes. Standard buses accommodate up to
72 passengers and large buses accommodate up to 84 passengers. However, when the age of the
passengers is taken into account, the actual capacity differs. The calculations are based on how many
students can fit on each bench seat. Industry experience reveals that high school students fit two to a
bench, elementary school students fit two to three to a bench, and middle school students are a mix of
the two. Table 2 shows the typical capacity for each age group by the bus type.
Page 5
Table 2: School Bus Seating Capacity
High school Middle school Elementary
Standard 48 54 72
Large 56 64 84
Since most of the passengers are high school and middle school students, we assume the seating
capacities are 48 – 56 for a standard bus and 56-64 for a large bus.
FARE
Fare was a focus of the discussion at the June 5 Council meeting. The Town Council provided the
direction that the fare would be based on an annual subscription model, at $350/year for all
passengers, with no Town residency required. For the initial half year of service in the pilot, staff also
recommended a base fare of $180. In future years, the fare structure should be included in the Town’s
fee schedule.
In the sign-up period, no fare variations, such as single day, weekly, or morning or afternoon-only
passes, were offered.
After the customer payment step is completed at end of October, and if there are unsold seats
available, staff may consider several options to fill the unsold seats and encourage future demand.
Some strategies may include varying pricing and fare structure. Staff recommends these fare variations
be set by authority of the Town Manager.
OUTREACH
The community has been very supportive of this program. The outreach efforts greatly benefited from
collaboration with the schools, the Safe Routes to Schools Coalition, and the Transportation and Parking
Commission in developing outreach materials and spreading the word of the new service. This is a
summary of the outreach and messaging activities:
• Project webpage
• Nextdoor posts: multiple times
• Fisher Pride: multiple times
• Targeted emails to parents from the surveys
• Article on the Mercury News (August 24) and Los Gatos Weekly Times (August 31)
• Town’s What’s New website
• Nextdoor and Facebook
• Flyers at local businesses and public areas (approximately 70 copies)
Town of Los Gatos
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Events:
August 9 and 10: LGHS Wildcat Days, SR2S table with flyers
August 16: First Day of School Event at Fisher and Blossom Hill – big posters
August 23: Welcome Coffee by Home and School Club/ Principal’s Chat: Fisher
August 23: Back to school nights: Blossom Hill and Lexington Elementary Schools
August 30: Back to school night on-site sign up at Fisher
REGIONAL AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
At the June 5 meeting, Council also directed staff to discuss subsidizing the program with jurisdictions
with students attending Los Gatos schools. Staff met with City of Monte Sereno and County Supervisor
Mike Wasserman. At this point only one student with a Monte Sereno address is signed up and the
County is not in a position to subsidize the program this fiscal year.
To s ecure the most suitable bus stop locations, staff worked with City of Monte Sereno staff, property
owners, and the Los Gatos Union School District (LGUSD) to get permission to use streets and
properties that are outside of the Town’s jurisdiction. These entities are very supportive of the program
and have supported the Town’s requests. The proposed routes require use agreements with three
organizations:
• Lexington Elementary School: School Board decision expected October.
• Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center Silicon Valley on Oka Road: Approved.
• Friendship Park and private streets in Redwood Estate: Approved.
BENEFITS: CONGESTION RELIEF AND AUTOMOBILE TRIP REDUCTION
As indicated through the program development, the primary goal is to reduce congestion around
schools. The Feasibility Study identified several congested corridors near schools, including Los Gatos
Boulevard, E. Main Street, South Santa Cruz Avenue, Blossom Hill Road, Shannon Road, Highway 9, and
Highway 17. The potential bus routes will help alleviate congestion during school bell times on all of
these congested corridors. Other streets that also have a great degree of congestion, such as Daves
Avenue, University Avenue and Santa Cruz Avenue near Highway 9, will not likely to benefit from the
potential bus routes.
The school bus service will provide congestion relief benefits by reducing school-related automobile
trips. Reduction in automobile miles traveled, or VMT, will have greater Townwide and regional
benefits in reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. The total number of school-related
automobile trips reduced is estimated at between 224 to 448 per school day from the 112 students
riding the bus. In addition to the reduction to the automobile trips to and from schools, many the
parents will make different mode choices for their own work trip too.
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Many parents and community members also cited benefits of providing safer streets for students who
bike or walk to school. Some also mentioned the benefits of allowing students to be more responsible
and independent.
EXPENDITURE
In the June 5 Council Report, Town staff provided the estimated cost of providing the pilot service
based on information from peer agencies and potential service providers. The expenditures would
include transportation service, contract management, customer service, ticket sale, and administration.
Staff continues to be very cognizant of the high cost of service delivery for this program and this will
continue to be a significant consideration in future planning. The funding needs for this program
should be considered as tradeoffs with potential investments in other priorities and opportunity costs
for other potential programs.
Table 3 shows the program expenditure and revenue. The total cost, including all tasks and functions,
was updated from the June 5 Council Report, based on the cost proposal from the transportation
provider and additional information.
Table 3 – Revised Pilot School Bus Program Revenue and Expenditure
The updated expenditures over two fiscal years include an increase of $124,140. The increases are due
to several factors:
1. The cost proposal from the transportation provider was higher than initially estimated.
Increasing industry costs and the newness and small size of the program contribute to this.
2. Additional consultant costs to accommodate the increased work load to carry out a school bus
program. Since this is a highly specialized field, the market for consultants is very competitive,
which drives up the cost. The budget reflects anticipated costs and contingency expenses over
the course of the pilot program.
3. Additional temporary staff costs. The experience in the last three months confirmed that rolling
out a new service places a high demand on staff time. The trend is expected to increase as the
service starts. The temporary staff cost was adjusted slightly higher to reflect this experience.
Year 1/2 Year 2 Year 3 Two-Year
FY18-19 FY19-20 FY20-21 Total
Expenses
Total 167,528$ 285,563$ Pending 453,090$
Revenue
Fare Revenue 20,160$ 42,000$ 62,160$
GFAR 147,368$ 243,563$ 390,930$
Total 167,528$ 285,563$ 453,090$
Town Fund %88%85%86%
Town of Los Gatos
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REVENUE AND FUNDING STRATEGIES
Like other models in the Bay Area, this service would also be funded by three sources: fare revenue,
grants, and Town subsidy. As discussed below, securing a meaningful fund amount from each source is
and will continue to be challenging in the current fiscal environment. Establishing a fair and long-term
revenue model is the key to the program’s sustainability.
Revenue - Fare
Table 3 shows the share of the fare revenue, or farebox recovery ratios, as 12% in Fiscal Year 2018/19
and 15% in Fiscal Year 2019/20. Establishing a sound fare structure is the key to the financial success of
this service. Staff is looking to strike a balance between reasonable share of the total cost and an
indication of commitment from the customers. Staff encourages the Council to review the fare
structure before the pilot program completion.
Revenue - Competitive Funds
In early 2018 the Town submitted a Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) grant application for a
School Ride Sharing Pilot to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). The application
was unsuccessful in obtaining meaningful funding. The determination by the BAAQMD will also make
TFCA grant funding highly unlikely in future years, unless the grant policies are changed.
Competitive funding sources for providing the congestion relief school bus service are limited. The
Santa Clara County 2016 Measure B is the other potential source. When the Measure B funds become
available, staff will apply for the Innovative Mobility Models and Programs Category funding. The Town
will need to continue efforts in influencing the program policies and guidelines.
Revenue – Town Sources
The proposed Fiscal Year 2018-19 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget includes a pilot school
bussing program. By authorizing the pilot service, the Council will need to consider and authorize
additional budget and expand the project timeline to include Fiscal Year 2019/20. Additional Town
subsidy would need to be discussed annually as part of the budget process.
PROGRAM EVALUATION
There are many metrics in evaluating a school bus service or congestion relief measures. Staff is
considering ridership, fiscal impacts, and congestion relief as the key performance measures.
Additional details and recommendations will be included in the Business Plan.
Prior to any additional funding decision, staff will return with the metrics for the Winter/Spring 2019
pilot to assist the Council in determining adjustments to fares, schedule, Town subsidy, etc.
Attachments
September 2018 School Bus Pilot Program Implementation
1
Los Gatos School Bus Pilot Service
Draft Service Plan August 20, 2018
Important Information:
a. All bus stops are tentative and will be finalized based on safety and ridership. The final service
plan may have more or fewer bus stops. Some locations may be changed.
b. The schedule is designed based on the best estimates at this point. The final schedule will be
provided by the transportation contractor. All times are estimated to be within =/- 5 minutes.
Route A – Monte Sereno and North Los Gatos to Fisher Middle School and
Blossom Hill Elementary School
Service Pattern A (Mondays)
Time Points Time Distance
AM Trip 1 to BHES
Start from Oka Road 7:15
Cherry Blossom Ln/ Blossom Hill Road 7:45
Fisher Middle School on Fisher Ave. -- --
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:30 2.5
Turn around to Twin Creeks
AM Trip 2 to Fisher
Start from Twin Creeks and Quito 8:10
Wimbledon/ Winchester 8:25
Oka Road 8:30
Cherry Blossom Ln/BHR 8:55
Fisher Middle School on Fisher Ave. 9:00
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:50 7.7
PM Trip 1
Blossom ES 3:00
Fisher Middle School 3:13
Oka Road 3:33
Ends at Twin Creeks and Quito 3:55
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:55
Service Pattern B (Wednesdays and Minimum Days)
Time Points Time Distance
AM Trip 1
Twin Creeks and Quito 7:13 0.0
2
Wimbledon/ Winchester 7:27 3.4
Oka Road 7:32 4.7
Cherry Blossom Ln/ Blossom Hill Road 8:00 7.0
Fisher Middle School on Fisher Ave. 8:08 7.7
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:55 7.7
PM Trip 1 Departing from BHES
Fisher Middle School -- --
Cherry Blossom Ln/ Blossom Hill Road 12:20
Oka Road 12:50
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:30 2.5
PM Trip 2 Departing from Fisher
Fisher Middle School 2:55
Cherry Blossom Ln/ Blossom Hill Road 3:05
Oka Road 3:35
Ends at Twin Creeks and Quito 3:55
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:60 7.0
Service Pattern C (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays)
Time Points Time Distance
AM Trip 1
Twin Creeks and Quito 7:13 0.0
Wimbledon/ Winchester 7:27 3.4
Oka Road 7:32 4.7
Cherry Blossom Ln/ Blossom Hill Road 8:00 7.0
Fisher Middle School on Fisher Ave. 8:08 7.7
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:55 7.7
PM Trip 1
Fisher Middle School 2:55
Cherry Blossom Ln/ Blossom Hill Road 3:05
Oka Road 3:37
Ends at Twin Creeks and Quito 3:57
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 1:02
3
Route A – Monte Sereno and North Los Gatos to Fisher Middle School and
Blossom Hill Elementary School
4
Bus stop list:
Route A – Monte Sereno and North Los Gatos to Fisher Middle School and Blossom Hill
Elementary School
Fisher Middle School
Cherry Blossom and Blossom Hill
Cherry Blossom and Camellia Tr.
Carlton and Longridge
Lester Ln.
Carlton and Gateway
Oka Road
Garden Hill
Arroyo Grande
Wimbledon Dr/Winchester
Golf Link and Clearview
La Rinconada Dr/Clara St.
Vineland @ Winchester
Daves Ave. @ Palos Verdes
Via Caballero @ Daves Ave.
Twin Creeks
5
Route B – Mountains to LGHS and Fisher MS
Service Pattern A (Mondays)
Time Points Time Distance
AM Trip 1
Redwood Estates/Holy City 7:25 0.0
Lexington ES 7:33 3.1
LGHS 7:50 6.9
Fisher Middle School -- --
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:25 6.9
Turn around to Redwood Estates/Holy City
AM Trip 2
Redwood Estates/Holy City 8:20 0.0
Lexington ES 8:28 LGHS -- --
S. Kennedy Rd./ Kennedy Rd.
Fisher Middle School 9:00
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:40 10.3
PM Trip 1
Fisher Middle School 3:15
S. Kennedy Rd./ Kennedy Rd.
LGHS 3:35
Lexington ES 3:53
Ends at Redwood Estates/Holy City 4:05
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:50 10.7
Service Pattern B (Tuesdays – Fridays)
Time Points Time Distance
AM Trip 1
Redwood Estates/Holy City 7:35 0.0
Lexington ES 7:43 --
LGHS 7:55 S. Kennedy Rd./ Kennedy Rd.
Fisher Middle School 8:15 --
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:40 10.3
PM Trip 1
Fisher Middle School 2:55
S. Kennedy Rd./ Kennedy Rd.
LGHS 3:15
Lexington ES 3:35
6
Ends at Redwood Estates/Holy City 3:45
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:50 10.7
Route B – Mountains to LGHS and Fisher MS
Redwood Estates/Holy City Stop:
Exact Location TBD
7
Bus stop list:
Route B – Mountains to LGHS and Fisher MS
Fisher Middle School
Kennedy and Ferris
S. Kennedy and Kennedy
Philips and S. Kennedy
Loma Alta and Spreckles
Loma Alta and Main
Jackson and Main
Villa and Main
Southside Parking Lot
Lexington School Rd.
Old Santa Cruz Hwy and Aldercroft Heights
Old Santa Cruz Hwy and Ogallala Warpath
Redwood Estates/Holy City
8
Route C – North and East Los Gatos to Los Gatos High School
Service Pattern A (Even Days)
Time Points Time Distance
AM Trip 1
Oka Road 7:11
0.0
Oakdale and Garden 7:20 1.5
Chirco and Corinne Dr. 7:30 1.4
Cherry Blossom / Blossom Hill Road 7:35 0.4
Blossom Hill Park on Shannon 7:42 1.1
LGHS 7:55 1.8
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:44
6.2
PM Trip 1
LGHS 2:20
Blossom Hill Park on Shannon 2:32
Cherry Blossom / Blossom Hill Road 2:39
Chirco and Corinne Dr. 2:44
Oakdale and Garden 2:54
Oka Road 3:03
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:43
Service Pattern B (Odd Days)
Time Points Time Distance
AM Trip 1
Oka Road 7:11
0.0
Oakdale and Garden 7:20 1.5
Chirco and Corinne Dr. 7:30 1.4
Cherry Blossom / Blossom Hill Road 7:35 0.4
Blossom Hill Park on Shannon 7:42 1.1
LGHS 7:55 1.8
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:44
6.2
PM Trip 1
LGHS 2:20
Blossom Hill Park on Shannon 2:32
Cherry Blossom / Blossom Hill Road 2:39
Chirco and Corinne Dr. 2:44
Oakdale and Garden 2:54
Oka Road 3:03
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:43
9
PM Trip 2
LGHS 4:00
Blossom Hill Park on Shannon 4:12
Cherry Blossom / Blossom Hill Road 4:19
Chirco and Corinne Dr. 4:24
Oakdale and Garden 4:34
Oka Road 4:43
Total Trip: First pick up - Last drop off 0:43
Bus stop list:
LGHS on High School Ct.
Kennedy and Ferris
Englewood and Topping
Shannon and Englewood
Blossom Hill Park on Shannon
Hillbrook and Blossom Hill Road
Cherry Blossom and Blossom Hill
Cherry Blossom and LG Almaden
Chirco and Corinne Dr.
Placer Oaks
Oakdale and Garden
Garden Hill
Arroyo Grande
Oka Road
10
Route C – North and East Los Gatos to Los Gatos High School
1
Town of Los Gatos School Bus Pilot Service – FAQ
August 23, 2018
SERVICE DESIGN
Q: How were the schools chosen for bus service?
Beginning last fall and lasting into the spring, the Town conducted a feasibility study to assess the
interest from the community. Based on the results from two parent surveys, community input, and
analysis of the congestion on streets around schools, the feasibility study showed that there is sufficient
demand to start a small-scale pilot program. The routes were designed based on input from the survey
respondents. The highest demand based on parent responses, will come from Los Gatos High School and
Fisher Middle School students.
If the pilot program is successful and the demand for service increases, service to other schools will be
considered.
Q: Are the bus schedules designed for the elementary schools?
Demand from elementary schools did not poll as strong. However, the draft service plan includes two
routes that can also potentially benefit students attending Blossom Hill and Lexington Elementary
Schools. Please keep in mind that the bus schedules may not be ideal for the elementary schools, but
they are workable.
Although Van Meter Elementary School is within walking distance to Fisher, the bus schedules were not
designed for Van Meter’s bell times so the Pilot is probably not going to work for Van Meter students.
We hope for great success that will lead to an expanded program in the future.
Q: Why do you include so many stops? Why can’t you provide a direct service from my neighborhood to
the school?
School bus service needs to maximize ridership so we can fill the bus to be effective. Half empty buses
don’t provide enough congestion relief benefits or generate fare revenue that is financially sustainable.
In order to attract sufficient number of passengers the bus will need to make several stops and go
further into the neighborhoods.
Q. Why doesn’t the afternoon route timing for the Mountain route serve the later activities of Los Gatos
High School?
This route will serve both the Los Gatos High School and Fisher Middle School. The bell schedules at
these schools present a real challenge in designing the service. The draft service plan offers a solution
that works for both schools, even though it may not be ideal.
Q: Does the bus schedule adjust for Early Dismissal and Minimum Days?
Yes, the bus schedule is designed to match the school’s bell schedule, including early dismissal and
minimum days at all schools served.
2
BUS PASSES AND PRICE
Q: What is the sign up process and how do I buy a pass?
A two step process will ensure a spot for you children. From August 20th through 31st, parents and
guardians can sign up online. The sign ups are on a first come, first served basis. Although no deposit is
required, parents will need to acknowledge that by submitting the sign up form, they commit to a
financial obligation to pay the full price if the route they selected is included in the pilot. In September
the Town Council will take an action to implement the pilot and choose two routes. Routes will be
selected based upon the highest numbers of sign ups, so your early participation is essential to provide
the best opportunity for service.
Starting in October parents who already signed up will be notified to purchase the passes. We will offer
a few options for parents to purchase the passes, including paying online. We will notify parents with
additional information.
Q: How much does it cost?
The cost for a bus pass is $180 per passenger for the first semester, January – June of 2019. It will cover
both the morning and afternoon trips to and from school on all school days. Starting in the fall of 2019,
the annual passes will be $350 each.
Q: Are there discounts for multi-child families?
No. There are no discounts for multi-child families.
Q: Are there limited seats available?
Yes. Each school and each route has a limited number of seats available for sale and routes will close
once all seats are purchased. Signing up early will help ensure your student gets a seat. You will have the
option to join a waitlist for available seats if buses sell out.
Q: Do kids need to show a pass to board the bus?
Yes. Each student will receive a bus pass with a picture on it. Students must carry this pass whenever
they ride the bus, even if the driver already knows them. No one can ride the bus without a pre-sold
pass, even if the bus is not completely full.
Q: Do you pro-rate the price of a pass during the year?
No. At its sole discretion, the Town may reduce the price of passes as the year elapses, but there is no
ongoing formulaic pro-rating. Moreover, availability of these passes is based on unsold seats and is not
guaranteed.
Q: Do you sell single/weekly passes or morning/afternoon-only passes?
A key to the financial success of a program is predictability in filling a bus, which will result in congestion
relief and fare revenue. In order to make the pilot successful, we are only offering one type of pass. At
its sole discretion, the Town may make other types of passes available in the future if there is space
available. However, that product does not exist currently.
3
Q: Can I get a refund?
There are no refunds, including a situation where the student’s bus pass has been revoked due to not
following the rules. The only exception is if your child moves away from the District. Your refund will be
pro-rated based on the number of months left in the school year.
SAFETY: Q: Are School Buses safe?
School buses are some of the safest vehicle on the road today. According the National Safety Council
Statistics, school buses are 172 times safer than passenger cars in terms of occupant deaths per 100
million passenger miles traveled. School buses rank much better than any other form of surface
transportation.
Q: Do the buses have seat belts? Do all riders have to wear their seat belts?
Yes. All our buses are equipped with lap and shoulder seat belts. All riders must wear a seat belt at all
times without exception.
Q: What if my child has to cross the street?
After getting off the bus, cross the street in front of the bus, never behind.
Elementary School students need to be escorted by the bus driver at certain locations. Please follow the
driver’s direction and wait for him/her to escort you across the street safely.
Q: Do cars have to stop when a bus stops?
Yes! When a bus stops and its red lights and stop arm are activated, cars in both directions must stop.
Where there is a divided roadway with a median, only cars moving the same direction as the bus must
stop. There are significant fines for drivers who fail to yield to a school bus.
Q. Will the bus driver wait with my child if I don’t get to the bus stop on time to pick him/her up?
No. The bus drivers are responsible for the safe driving of the buses. There is no supervision provided at
the bus stops. Ensuring safety of children getting to and from the bus stop and at the bus stops is the
responsibility of their parents or guardians. Parents or guardians shall decide whether a student requires
supervision at bus stops.
Q. The Mountains route doesn’t match the bell schedule of Lexington Elementary School. Can my child
ride the bus to school?
Yes, any student can ride the bus with the proper pass. At the Lexington School Bus Stop, the Los Gatos
Union School District requires Elementary School students to attend the onsite childcare (Clubhouse), if
they are on campus outside of school bell time.
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BUS OPERATIONS AND SERVICE
Q: Who operates the buses?
The Town will contract with a qualified student transportation provider to operate the buses.
Q: Why do you want children at the stop 5 minutes early?
State law requires drivers to stop traffic and escort children to the bus if they are not already standing at
the stop. This delays our schedules and annoys the neighbors. We also don't want your kids to miss the
bus by cutting it too close in the morning. Our drivers try hard to stick to the published schedule, but
sometimes things happen, and they just can't be that precise.
Q: What if my child misses the bus?
That does sometimes happen so please be prepared. Every family should have a backup plan where kids
have a way to contact a parent or neighbor that can get them to school, or that they can notify if they
plan to walk.
Q: What if the bus is late?
This sometimes happens due to traffic or mechanical problems. Parents can sign-up to be notified via
text message notification if any bus is running late. Our bus operator would have a replacement bus on
the way in case of a significant mechanical problem.
Q: What happens if my child leaves an item on the bus?
Bus drivers keep items on the bus for a few days so that the student can pick up the item the next time
they ride the bus. Please remind your student to ask the bus driver if they have found any items
matching the description of the student's lost item.
Q: What happens if there is an emergency?
In the event of an emergency or similar serious incident, the Town and the Transportation Contractor
will dedicate themselves to securing the safety of students as a first priority and will respond to the
incident accordingly. Communication to parents will be sent as soon as possible once all necessary
safety and response measures have been taken and information is available to share.
DISCIPLINE
Q: How is discipline carried out on the bus?
Drivers are responsible for maintaining proper student supervision and monitoring of all students on
board.
Q: What steps are taken to maintain the discipline of school bus?
A verbal warning shall be issued first to students violating behavior guidelines. After a verbal warning, an
Incident Report form shall be submitted to the Town, the student’s parents and the bus operator
company.
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Q: Can my child's bus pass be taken away?
Yes. If a child does not respond to the progressive discipline assigned, a child's pass may be suspended
or revoked without refund.
Q: Are parents financially responsible for vandalism?
Yes. Parents are financially responsible for vandalism caused by their child.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Q: Will the buses also serve students with special education needs?
Separate programs exist for home to school transportation for special needs students provided by the
Los Gatos Union School District and the Los Gatos – Saratoga Union High School District. Please contact
the School Districts’ offices for more information and to find out what option is right for your student.
Q: How is the program funded?
Like other models in the Bay Area, this service will also be funded by three sources: fare revenue, grants,
and Town subsidy. The Town Council in the pilot service in the FY 18/19 budget. Currently there is no
grant funding received. Staff will pursue grant funds in the future. The remaining costs of the program
are funded through pass sales.
Q: Who administers the bus program?
The day-to-day administration of the program are managed by Parks and Public Works staff. The Town
Council provides strategic directions and makes funding decisions.
Town of Los Gatos School Bus Pilot Service
Bus Safety Rules (Draft)
Walking to and Waiting for the Bus
• Students will be required to get on and off at their assigned stop only.
• Plan your student’s walking route to the bus stop together
• Arrive five minutes early to the bus stop. Students will be considered late for the bus if
they are not on the bus and seated by the departure time. The bus driver will not stop to
load a student on to the bus after it has departed the established bus stop location.
• Wait quietly at the stop away from the street
• Make sure the bus driver can see you! If you can’t see the bus driver’s eyes, you are too
close to the bus!
Boarding the Bus
• Wait until the bus is stopped, and the bus driver says it’s OK, before boarding
• Show the bus driver your bus pass
• Find a seat, sit down, and buckle up!
• Keep the aisle clear
• Don’t bring anything on the bus that is not allowed at school
Riding the Bus
• Remain seated at all times facing forward
• Keep head, hands and feet inside the bus at all times
• Always listen to the bus driver and follow instructions
• Don’t stand while the bus is moving
• If you have any questions or concerns, ask your friendly bus driver!
Getting Off the Bus
• Wait for permission to exit the bus
• Once off the bus, don't run in front of the bus or in between buses or cars
• Cross the street in front of the bus, never behind
• Do not attempt to retrieve items left on the bus or items that fell under the bus. Ask the
bus driver for help.
Additional Safety and Behavior Guidelines
• Review the Bus Safety Rules with your student
• No sharing bus passes
• No eating, drinking or littering on the bus
• Do not throw objects out of, on, or at the bus
• Be courteous, no harassing others
• No fighting, profanity or spitting
• Do not vandalize the bus, bus stop or surrounding property
• No smoking or fire hazards on bus
• No illegal substance abuse or controlled substance use
• No animals or hazardous materials or objects are allowed on the bus.
• Ensuring safety of children getting to and from the bus stop is the responsibility of their
parents or guardians. Parents or guardians shall decide whether a student requires
supervision at bus stops.
Disciplinary Action
• A verbal warning shall be issued to students violating behavior guidelines
• After a verbal warning, an Incident Report Form shall be submitted to the Town, the
student’s parents and the bus operator company
• The Town may suspend or revoke transportation privileges without refund
• Parents/guardians are financially responsible for vandalism caused by their child