Every morning as a student of Bergen County Academies, I face a frustrating reality. Our school bus, intended to transport students from Cliffside Park, Fairview, and Palisades Park, is constantly overcrowded, with barely enough seats to accommodate everyone. As a resident of Palisades Park, this overcrowding presents a daily struggle, making the ride uncomfortable and stressful.

Palisades Park is a large town, yet we have to share a bus with two other towns. It puzzles me why smaller towns around us have dedicated buses while we are squeezed into a single bus with barely enough space to breathe. This isn't just about discomfort; it’s about fairness and providing students with a safe, secure, and comfortable means to get to school.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are the safest mode of transportation for students, but overcrowded buses can pose safety risks, increasing the likelihood of distractions and mishaps due to lack of proper seating.

Therefore, we are calling for the provision of a secondary bus dedicated solely to Palisades Park students. This solution would not only reduce the strain on the existing bus route but also ensure that every student can travel in comfort and safety. It will enable students like myself to focus on our studies rather than worrying each day about whether we will have a seat to sit on.

Join me in urging the school district and local transportation authorities to address this pressing issue. Sign this petition to let them know that we deserve better. Your support can make a significant change for the students of Palisades Park. Sign and share this petition to demand a secondary bus for Palisades Park students.