The South Colonie Central School District’s Transportation Department is the engine that keeps our schools moving. From daily routes to field trips, athletic events, and safety initiatives, the department’s dedication and professionalism ensure that students arrive safely and on time each and every day.

By the Numbers (2024–25 School Year)

• Transported students to 62 different school
• Completed 326 field trips and 767 athletic trips
• Logged more than 734,000 miles traveled
• Reported 7 school bus accidents, only 2 of which were at fault — a 50% reduction from last year
• Achieved a 98.04% DOT inspection rating with 153 buses inspected twice and only 3 defects found
• Albany County/Bus Patrol issued 3,700 tickets, with October as the busiest month (580 tickets issued)

Safety First

This year, the department launched a Safe Driving Program to recognize and reward drivers for their commitment to safe transportation. Drivers who achieve 5, 10, or 15 years of accident-free driving are now honored with patches and pins.

Meeting Challenges Head-On

Like many districts across New York State, South Colonie continues to face staffing shortages. Currently, the department has 9 open driver positions, 2 open monitor positions, and 1 mechanic position.

“Even with the staffing challenges we face, our team continues to rise to the occasion,” said Transportation Director Brian Sim. “Drivers, mechanics, and office staff have all gone above and beyond to make sure every route is covered. Their commitment ensures that our students and families can rely on us each day.”

Routes are being covered by combining runs, adding hours, utilizing substitute drivers, and even having office staff step in.

Mechanics are stepping up with overtime when needed, while still maintaining the department’s high DOT rating.

Most importantly, no runs have been cancelled — a remarkable achievement as many neighboring districts have had to cancel routes weekly.

Committed to the students

“The work of our transportation team is nothing short of remarkable,” said Dr. David Perry, Superintendent of Schools. “They ensure safety, reliability, and consistency for our students in a time when many districts are struggling to maintain services. We are grateful for all that they do for South Colonie.”

Transportation is more than buses and routes. It is about ensuring that every student starts and ends their day safely. Thanks to the dedication of South Colonie’s transportation professionals, families can count on reliable, safe, and consistent service.