Transport of Rockland Modifies Bus Route in Pearl River

Voters in the Pearl River School District approved a reduction in the area in which students at the high school are eligible to ride the bus in May.

That led to a number of complaints by parents when the new transportation policy took effect this fall, with safety the primary concern raised.

The policy will be in place for at least the rest of the 2011-12 school year, but some Pearl River High School students will have a new alternative starting Monday, Oct. 31

The Rockland County Department of Public Transportation is altering the TOR #92 Bus route to meet the increased demand by high school students in Pearl River weekday mornings, specifically the trip that leaves the Spring Valley Transit Center at 6:45 a.m.

"With the recent change in the Pearl River School District's bus transportation policy, it was determined that there are approximately 185 Pearl River High School students in this neighborhood who are now potential TOR riders," said Transit Administrator Bill Schule. "As a trial, with no cost to the County, we are directing the early morning #92 bus on a path that will enable students to access public transportation as a commuting option."

The modified route will take the eastbound bus from Washington Avenue, turning left on Highland Ave., right on Moucadie Drive, left on Center Street, Right on Crooked Hill Road and right onto North Main Street before resuming its trip on Central Avenue. A map of the route is available on the Pearl River School District website here.

According a release from the Pearl River School District, the stop times are as follows:

• 6:57 a.m. 141 Old Pascack Road (opposite Buchanan St.)
• 6:58 a.m. 278 West Washington Avenue (opposite South Highland Ave)
• 6:59 a.m. South Highland Avenue & Maggiolo Drive
• 6:59 a.m. South Highland Avenue & Perillo Court
• 7:00 a.m. Mouacadie Drive & Center Street (SW Corner)
• 7:00 a.m. Crooked Hill Rd & North Lincoln Avenue (SW Corner)
• 7:01 a.m. 120 West Crooked Hill Rd (opposite Margaret Keahon Drive)
• 7:02 a.m. North Main St. & West Lewis Avenue

The bus will arrive at the corner of Middletown Road and Central Avenue at 7:05 a.m. There is a crossing guard at that intersection.

The bus leaves the intersection of Middletown and Central in the afternoon at 3:06 p.m., 4:22 p.m., 5:22 p.m. and 6:22 p.m., but only goes to West Washington Avenue and Old Pascack Road on those trips.

"Providing a viable public transportation option for this segment of the population is certainly beneficial for the future of transit," Schule said. "While we regularly examine, re-evaluate and modify our routes to match consumer demand, we are especially excited about introducing the benefits of transit use to our future generation, and with the concept of building a long-term, transit riding population."

Students will be able to purchase booklets good for 10 rides for $11 in the high school main office. Individual rides purchased on the bus cost $2. Students have been given a form they can return for a complimentary booklet good for 10 free rides.