Transportation
Studies done by The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that the school bus is the safest vehicle on the road. The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) Transportation Department proudly owns and operates its fleet of 80 buses and vans, used to successfully transport students to-and-from school and on trips for academics and student activities. Our staff includes 45 bus drivers, three office staff, and two skilled mechanics.
Public School Students
If your child attends a school in UCFSD, they will automatically be assigned transportation before the start of the school year.
As student ridership changes throughout the school year, bus schedules are sometimes modified in order to maintain the most efficient transportation system and to accommodate our many students.
Non-Public School Students
UCFSD also provides transportation to resident students attending non-public schools that are within 10 miles of the district boundary.
To be eligible for transportation, your child must still be registered with the school district. In accordance with PA Act 372, transportation will only be provided for non-public school students if requested.
If your child’s Registration and Transportation Request Form are not completed in a timely manner, we cannot guarantee that transportation will be scheduled in time for your child's anticipated school start date.
As student ridership changes throughout the school year, bus schedules are sometimes modified in order to maintain the most efficient transportation system and to accommodate our many students.
Safety & School Bus Etiquette
All of our buses are equipped with audio and video recording cameras during all trips. Please help our drivers by reminding your child that classroom behaviors and expectations are required on the school bus as well. Students are expected to:
- Arrive at your bus stop at least five minutes before the designated pick-up time.
- Stay alert – look and listen.
- Stand at least 10 feet away from the bus as it approaches.
- Wait until the bus has fully stopped, its doors are open, and all traffic has stopped before approaching the bus.
- Remain safely seated and facing forward during the bus ride.
- When exiting the bus, move away from the vehicle as quickly as possible. If you have to cross the street after exiting the bus, always cross in front of the bus, not behind it, so that the driver sees you.
- Do not leave trash on the bus, as our drivers are individually responsible for sweeping leftover messes. Please also note that eating is not permitted on the school bus.
There are also safety standards set forth by the Pennsylvania School Bus Code and overseen by the Pennsylvania State Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Division that our department is required to enforce. In general, you should know that sharp objects are not permitted on the bus, loose objects should be secured in backpacks, and large objects such as instruments and sports equipment should be stored under seats.
Afternoon Drop-Off
As a parent/guardian, you are required to receive your child at the bus stop if they are in Kindergarten or Pre-First. If you are not at the bus stop, the Transportation Office will attempt to contact you before returning your child to school.
If your child is in Grades 1-12 but you require them to be received by a parent/guardian, please notify the Transportation Department in writing. Please make sure your child knows not to get off the bus without you if this is your requirement.
Afternoon drop-off times provided in this bus schedule are an estimate. Actual drop-off times may vary slightly each day.
Alternate Bus Stops
If your child requires an alternate bus stop assignment (split family or day care purposes only), please notify the Transportation Department using the following form.
Bus Driver Shortage
Finally, we appreciate your flexibility as we continue to navigate route changes due to a severe bus driver shortage. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team, please apply online.
Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law
Each year, drivers illegally pass school buses nearly two million times. Each illegal pass-by could result in the tragic injury or fatality of a student. The inconvenience of an extra few seconds spent waiting for a stopped school bus is insignificant compared to the loss of a child's life.
UCFSD would like to remind our community’s drivers of the law and of safe practices when approaching a school bus.
- When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with its red signal lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must stop.
- When you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with its red signal lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must stop.
- You must stop at least ten feet away from the school bus.
- You must wait until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.
- Please do not move until all the children have reached a place of safety.
There are severe penalties associated with running a school bus stop. For more information on Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website.
If you have any questions, visit the UCFSD website or contact us. Note that our peak operating hours are from 6 to 10 a.m. and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Our phone lines are busiest during these times. For any urgent requests, call (610) 347-0804. Non-urgent requests may be sent by email to transoffice@ucfsd.net.