By DM Livingston / The Waterbury Times
Published: November 18, 2025 • 7:00 AM

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Waterbury’s School Bus Issue

WATERBURY, CT — For years, Waterbury’s student transportation system has faced delays, confusion, and frustration — yet coverage of the issues has often faded from headlines. In an exclusive interview, Board of Education Commissioner Thomas Van Stone, Sr laid bare the challenges, discussed new technology designed to help, and stressed the need for collaboration between the district, bus companies, and parents.

“This is a continuous conversation and we need more data from the bus companies,” Commissioner Thomas Van Stone Sr- told The Waterbury Times.

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The Core Issues

• Elementary and Magnet Schools Are Most Affected: While high schools generally manage their early start times without major disruptions, and middle schools perform relatively better, Commissioner Van Stone, Sr notes that several scattered elementary schools and the city’s magnet schools experience the most persistent issues.
• Lack of Coordinated Data: “We need more data from the bus companies,” he emphasizes, noting that without detailed information on routes, delays, and vehicle locations, it is difficult to manage schedules and communicate with families effectively.
• Chronic Problem, Faded Coverage: Though these challenges have existed for years, inconsistent reporting has left many in the community unaware of the ongoing hurdles.

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Technology as a Solution

Commissioner Van Stone, Sr highlighted two key apps designed to improve communication and transparency:

1. Parent Square – The district’s communication platform, which he urges parents to use more consistently to receive vital updates.
2. Bus Track App – A real-time bus tracking tool that Commissioner Van Stone, Sr uses himself. He calls it “a convenience for parents and administrators alike” and encourages families to check it regularly for up-to-date bus locations.
3. More on New Bus Tracking App

“The Bus Track app is out there to help,” he says, “and it’s a valuable tool if parents take advantage of it.”

He stressed, however, that technology cannot replace understanding the human element:

“Don’t blame the drivers — it’s a very difficult job.”

Inside the Numbers: A Deep Look at the Waterbury Public School District

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Collaboration is Key

Commissioner Van Stone, Sr insists that cooperative efforts between the district, bus companies, and parents are essential:

• Bus Companies: Must provide better, consistent data to enable more efficient route planning and real-time updates.
• Parents: Should adopt Parent Square and Bus Track App for reliable information.
• District Leadership: Continues to analyze data and adjust routes as needed, ensuring safety and minimizing delays.
• Where is the School Bus? – You Tube Investigation

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Looking Ahead

• Busing Contracts: Current contracts are set to expire soon. The district is reviewing proposals for new contracts — though Commissioner Van Stone, Sr acknowledges that rising insurance costs, driver retention challenges, and increased operating expenses are making the field increasingly difficult.
• Follow-Up: The Waterbury Times will provide a step-by-step guide to the Bus Track App, helping parents understand its features and how to maximize its effectiveness.

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Community Takeaways

For Waterbury families frustrated by inconsistent pick-up times or missed updates:

• Embrace the Parent Square and Bus Track App.
• Recognize that bus drivers face complex challenges daily.
• Stay informed — the BOE is committed to using data and technology to improve efficiency and equity across all schools.