Parsippany's Petition for More Buses - Nearly 700 Have Signed

A petition on change.org proposes increased buses for Parsippany students. Currently, the district provides the minimum busing allowable under state law - up to 4 miles roundtrip for younger students (beginning at 5 years old) and up to 5 miles roundtrip for high school students.

Arguments in support of more buses include improved traffic for all residents, as well as safety for students. The petition cites changes in traffic within Parsippany since the initial posted traffic survey that was conducted in the early 2000s, as well as population and demographic changes, including growing diversity bringing in more single-driver families.

Parsippany moved to the state minimum for transportation about a decade ago, in an effort to save costs. Many local towns, including Montville, offer "subscription" busing which means that families that fall outside the mileage, but still wish to get a bus can pay for a seat. Parsippany is not currently offering this option to parents.

The petition's latest update asks the town to consider other "creative" options to busing, presumably to issue a public request for proposal to get a variety of different options and bids to determine the cost.

What are your thoughts? Are there safety issues in walking in parts of town? The petition cites NJ weather, lack of sidewalks/unsafe routes and some families without transportation backup. How much traffic do school "walkers" cause with many parents opting to drive, because they do not qualify for a bus?

With alternative costs unknown, do you think the town should consider asking for alternative bids for busing for local students?