• VOORHEES TOWNSHIP TRANSPORTATION

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Is my child eligible for transportation?

    Transportation is provided for students in PK - 8 who do not live within walking areas as described in our Board policy.

     

    Students residing in shared custody homes will only be transported to and from one parent/guardian residence within the school district per NJ Statute N.J.A.C.6A:27–6.5(b) District Policy, 8600 Student Transportation

     

    When will transportation start?

    Your child's bus will be available on the first day of school. For students beginning mid-year, transportation services typically commence within 3-4 days. You will receive an email notification, and all relevant information will be accessible in the parent portal.

     

    Where is the bus stop?

    All transportation information is available in the parent portal. If you have questions or need clarification, please email our Transportation Coordinator, Andrea Graham at graham@voorhees.k12.nj.us

     

    What time will the bus come?

    Estimated pickup and drop-off times are available in the parent portal. Please be at the bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time and allow for a 10-minute variance. Afternoon times may fluctuate due to traffic, weather, or unforeseen circumstances. Your bus driver is the most reliable source for current pickup and drop-off times. The district strives to inform parents if a bus is running more than 10 minutes late, using email and/or robocalls. Ensure your contact information in Genesis is up to date so we can reach you when necessary.

     

    Students must be at the bus stop when the bus arrives for pickup. Bus drivers are not required  to wait for students sitting in cars, on porches or in their homes.

     

    How do I retrieve a lost item?

    If your child leaves an item on the school bus, they should check with the driver during their next ride. For items left on VMS late buses, please contact Holcomb Transportation at 856-931-3632. Please note that the district and its bus contractors are not responsible for items left behind. If an item is left on a sports or field trip bus, reach out to the Transportation Department for assistance at graham@voorhees.k12.nj.us.

     

    My child is late getting home from school.  How can I find out where the bus is?

    The district makes every attempt to let parents know if a bus is running more than 10 minutes late. After 4:00pm, your quickest source of information is to contact the bus company directly.

     

    My student took the late bus from VMS and they’re not home yet. What should I do?

    All of our late buses from VMS (3:30pm and 4:15pm) are operated by Holcomb Transportation. Ride times and stops vary depending on how many students ride on any particular day.  Holcomb can be reached at 856-931-3632.

     

    Can I change my child’s bus stop?

    Bus stops are designed to serve as central locations for multiple households within a neighborhood, with neutral street corners chosen whenever possible. Stopping at intersections is generally safer because traffic anticipates such stops, while mid-block stops can confuse motorists. Parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring their child arrives at the bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

    In exceptional cases, a bus stop location may be adjusted if a valid safety concern is identified. Any requests for changes must be submitted in writing via email to our Transportation Coordinator at graham@voorhees.k12.nj.us.  Each request will undergo a thorough review before a decision is made. Arranging alternate stops directly with the bus driver without district approval is not allowed and may result in disciplinary measures for the driver. Bus stop locations may change annually to accommodate new students or route adjustments.

    Weather conditions and line-of-sight concerns are not factors in determining bus stop locations. While it is not feasible to provide stops visible from every home, parents concerned about this are encouraged to accompany their child to the stop. Although New Jersey state law permits elementary and middle school students to walk up to two miles to a bus stop, the district strives to limit this distance to no more than 0.6 miles.

    Can I have a house stop for my child?

    House stops are designated for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or those residing in hazardous zones. A house stop cannot be established solely because the bus passes a student's residence or if there is only one student at the bus stop. Granting all house stop requests would lead to unreasonably long ride times. Arranging special accommodations directly with the bus driver is not allowed and may result in the driver's dismissal. In emergencies, it's essential for the district to know your student's exact location, including assigned bus and stop.

     

    Why did the route/bus stop change?

    As our district expands, adjustments are necessary to accommodate the increasing student population. Consequently, school bus stops may be reassigned annually based on factors such as the number of students at each stop, walking distances, and new families moving into the area. We strive to minimize these changes and will inform families if any alterations significantly impact the established schedule.

     

    Can I request a specific bus driver?

    All of our buses are contracted. We can make requests, but we don’t have direct access to drivers to make changes.

     

    Can my child ride the bus with a friend?

    Students are assigned a single pickup and drop-off location on one bus. Exceptions may be granted in emergency situations, such as a sudden illness, injury, or hospital admission of a custodial parent or household family member. Requests for changes due to vacations, temporary work assignments, social events, or visits to a friend's home will not be approved. Additionally, "as needed" transportation or requests for specific days are not permitted.

     

    I moved.  How do I change my child’s bus?

    If you're relocating within the district, please inform the school office to update your address. After your records are updated, you'll receive new transportation details. Allow 3-4 business days for transportation services to resume at your new location.

     

    I have a new phone number. Who should I tell?

    It's crucial to keep your personal and emergency contact information up to date in your Genesis profile and at your child's school. In emergencies or unforeseen situations, we'll use your email and/or phone number for important communications.

    Maintaining current contact information ensures you receive timely and important communications regarding your child's education and safety.

    My child is injured and needs crutches or a wheelchair. What should I do?

    If your child needs to use crutches or a wheelchair temporarily, entering or exiting a standard school bus may pose safety risks. Please contact the Transportation Department promptly to arrange appropriate and safe transportation accommodations.

     

    Can you transport my child to/from a daycare center?

    Preschool and kindergarten students may be picked up and dropped off at a daycare facility within Voorhees Township under the following conditions:

    1. The student is otherwise eligible for transportation.

    2. Pickup and drop off is along a regular bus route and is the same every day. Individual transportation schedules cannot be honored.

    3. The bus must be able to enter and exit the facility without obstruction.

    4. Completion of the Transportation Release Form

     

    What else should my student know about school bus transportation?

    To ensure safe and efficient transportation to and from school, students are expected to:

    1. Arrive at the bus stop early: Be at your designated stop at least 10 minutes before the scheduled arrival time.

    2. Board the bus safely: Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching. Use the handrail when boarding to prevent slips or falls.

    3. Sit properly: Find your assigned seat promptly, buckle your seatbelt securely, and remain seated facing forward throughout the journey.

    4. Keep the aisle clear: Store personal items on your lap or under the seat to avoid tripping hazards.

    5. Stay inside the bus: Keep all body parts inside the bus at all times; do not extend hands, arms, or head out of the windows.

    6. Maintain a calm environment: Speak quietly to avoid distracting the driver. Refrain from loud conversations or unnecessary noise.

    7. Use appropriate language: Avoid using profanity or language that could be considered teasing, hurtful, harassing, or intended to bully others.

    8. Respect others: Keep your hands and feet to yourself; do not throw objects inside the bus or out of the windows.

    9. Follow the driver's instructions: The bus driver is responsible for your safety; always listen and adhere to their directions.

    10. Exit safely: Wait until the bus has stopped completely before standing. Use the handrail when exiting and be cautious of traffic when moving away from the bus.

    Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure a safe and pleasant bus ride for everyone.

    What should I be aware of?

    1. An approved adult must be present to meet Preschool and Kindergarten students at the bus stop. An approved adult is a parent/guardian or an emergency contact listed in your child’s student information sheet in Genesis. We must have written permission from you to release your child to anyone other than a parent, and that person must present proper identification to the bus driver.

    At a parent’s request, and with permission from the Superintendent, an appropriately aged sibling may be permitted to meet preschool and kindergarten students at the bus Stop.

    1. Should no one be at the bus stop to meet a preschool or kindergarten student, the driver is required to return the student to school. The parent/guardian will be responsible to pick up the student as soon as possible.

    2. Parents are reminded that students must ride their assigned bus. Vacations, temporary work assignment changes, social events, riding to a friend’s home or other foreseen events will not be approved for a change in bus assignment. Under emergency circumstances, a parent may seek special permission from the Transportation Department.

    3. Issues and concerns regarding your child’s school bus driver should not be addressed directly to the bus driver. Attempting to resolve a bus issue at the bus stop with a bus driver may hold up traffic and keep the bus from completing its assigned route. Parents should contact the Transportation Department (856-751-8446 x 6124) with any concerns or issues.

    4. Parents of younger students are encouraged to accompany their child(ren) to and from the bus stop until the student is comfortable with the route and bus stop location.

    5. Parents are urged to play a major role in monitoring their child’s behavior during the walk to and from the bus stop and at the bus stop. Parents are responsible for their children during this time.

    I have other questions. Who can I contact?

    The Transportation Department in Voorhees Township is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm.  The best means of contact is via email to graham@voorhees.k12.nj.us.

     

    Voorhees Township utilizes the services of contractors for school buses. The name of your child’s bus contractor is displayed on the side of the bus.  If you are unsure of who operates your child’s bus, please contact the Transportation Department via email at graham@voorhees.k12.nj.us

     

    First Student, Berlin Depot  856-751-0222

    First Student, Lawnside Depot  856-546-8131

    Hillman’s Bus Service   856-751-1123

    T&L Transportation  856-783-6609

    Holcomb Transportation  856-931-3632

     

    Updated: 1/2025