Berkeley Unified changed bus service routes, consolidating lines and discontinuing all stops on Grizzly Peak Boulevard in the Berkeley Hills. The changes were implemented roughly two weeks before the start of school on Aug. 13. Bus route changes were made to address an ongoing school bus driver shortage, reduce student ride times, and optimize resources. The removal of Grizzly Peak Boulevard stops was linked to safety concerns and route efficiency after the California Highway Patrol identified risks including illegal lane encroachment, narrow roads, obstruction hazards, and unsafe drivers. The CHP's concerns included previously reported school bus accidents, district liability, and potential impacts on driver certifications. The timing intensified family difficulties securing after-school care.
In response to road safety concerns, the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) changed its bus service routes, consolidating some lines and discontinuing all stops on Grizzly Peak Boulevard in the Berkeley Hills. The changes were announced about two weeks before families went back to school on Aug. 13. BUSD said the bus route changes were made to address an ongoing school bus driver shortage, reduce student ride times and optimize resources.
She said the California Highway Patrol has sole responsibility of school bus safety in the state, and the agency asked that the stops be removed to avoid further unsafe situations. According to Collier's email, CHP listed safety concerns related to any large passenger vehicle traveling on Grizzly Peak, including illegal lane encroachment, narrow roads and obstruction hazards, and unsafe drivers.
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