The Westport Public Schools’ move of bus companies — from Dattco to First Student — means a move in bus parking too.
With the current site — the congested lot on Post Road East, opposite Playhouse Square — unavailable after June 30, an alternate location is needed.
Until a permanent spot is found, buses will be parked from July 1 through October 31 at Staples High School, Bedford and Coleytown Middle Schools, and Coleytown and Long Lots Elementary Schools.
Dattco buses, entering the Post Road East parking lot. (Photo/Joyce Joiner)
The locations were chosen after analyzing the availability of parking for staff and students.
When the school year begins, buses will leave their school spots between 6 and 7 a.m, After pickups and drop-offs, they’ll return to their schools between 9 and 9:30.
They’ll leave for afternoon runs between 1 and 2 p.m., then return between 4 and 5.
Westport Public Schools’ chief financial officer Elio Longo says that at some locations, like Staples, there is already dedicated bus parking. In other locations, buses will be parked where there is the least impact on students, staff and neighbors.
Parking plan for Staples High and Bedford Middle School (click on or hover over to enlarge).
Even with bus parking, “each of the school locations still has a surplus of parking available,” Longo says.
Planning & Zoning Department officials have placed restrictions on bus parking. All bus operators must comply with the sate law regarding idling. There will be no mechanical servicing of buses on school grounds, and “no amplified music or whistles.”
Parking plan for Coleytown Middle and Elementary Schools (click on or over hover to enlarge).
Longo is “confident that this temporary plan will serve the needs of the students but in a way that does not adversely impact the students, neighbors and community at large.”
District officials are working on other arrangements, once the temporary bus parking solution ends.
Parking plan for Long Lots Elementary School (click on or hover over to enlarge).
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