In an effort to ensure school children in Jackson Township are transported to and from school in the most safe way possible, the Jackson Council recently passed a resolution to enhance school bus safety by regulating the pickup and discharge of children on certain roadways.

Approved by the Jackson Township Traffic Safety Bureau, the resolution mandates that all buses—public and private—must conduct pickups only from the passenger side of the vehicle, aligning with the roadway edge.

The measure aims to prevent children from crossing in front of buses in unsafe ways, as well as to ensure the safety of passing motorists. Additionally, the resolution calls on all school bus operators to meet with the township’s Traffic Safety Bureau at least once annually and to submit their busing schedules by August 1 each year.

These rules apply to all buses transporting children to both public and private schools.

Township officials say the new regulations are a proactive step to ensure the safety of students across the community.

“It was great to see so many stakeholders working together with a common goal to ensure the safety transportation of all children to and from school,” Councilman Mordy Burnstein told TLS. “Open communication will go a long way towards this goal,” he added.

The resolution was the outcome of a meeting held earlier this year attended by representatives from the school bus companies, schools, the LSTA, the members of the Jackson Township Council and Jackson Public Safety Director Sgt. Joseph Candido.

Today, the officials met again with the group (pictured) to review and discuss safety measures being implemented, among other items related to children’s’ safety.

“This meeting marked the first of what we hope will be many meetings with private school vendors, our Traffic Safety Bureau, and Police Safety Director, Director Candido,” Council President Jennifer Kuhn said in a statement.

“This important meeting was made possible thanks to Abe [Krawiec] from the LSTA, who helped coordinate everything. At our last meeting with Abe, we requested a larger discussion with all the vendors, and we’re grateful it came together. Our primary focus remains the safety of our children, especially ensuring they aren’t crossing busy roads,” she emphasized.

The full list of impacted streets can be seen below.