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Connecting Communities, One Bus Ride at a Time: Behind the Scenes of CUSD’s Transportation Department

In honor of National School Bus Safety Week (October 19 -23), read on to learn more about the amazing transportation department at Campbell Union School District.

Every weekday morning before the sun fully brightens the Campbell sky, the quiet hum of activity begins at 240 Harrison Avenue. On the second floor of the district office, staff members at the Campbell Union School District (CUSD) Transportation Department are already hard at work preparing for another day of moving the district's most valuable payload: its students.

While school buses are a quintessential symbol of K-12 education, operating a safe and reliable transportation system requires precise coordination, dedicated staff, and unwavering attention to safety.

Bridging Distances for Student Success

In addition to ensuring students and staff safely get to their science camps and field trips, the CUSD transportation services cater to two vital student groups: general education students navigating local transit corridors and special education students receiving specialized access to learning.

General education busing serves defined attendance pockets where geographical barriers—such as busy thoroughfares, highway corridors, or wide transit boundaries—make walking or biking difficult. Bus lines primarily serve eligible students attending Lynhaven Elementary School and Monroe Middle School:

• Lynhaven Elementary: Routes provide essential service to neighborhoods situated west of San Tomas Expressway, north of Stevens Creek Boulevard, and east of Highway 17.
• Monroe Middle School: Busing connects students living in the Blackford and Sherman Oaks attendance zones, as well as designated zones near major transit arteries.

For families in these communities, the yellow bus is more than just a ride—it is a vital bridge to consistent school attendance and academic participation.

Driven by Community Collaboration

Beyond localized general education routes, CUSD’s transportation operations play a regional role. The district is a key participant in the West Valley Joint Powers Authority (JPA), a collaborative effort uniting 10 local school districts to pool resources and provide specialized transportation for special education students across the region.

Additionally, CUSD’s fleet supports learning beyond the traditional classroom setting, managing logistics for district-wide field trips and activity outings that enrich the educational experience.

A Culture Built on Safety First

Behind every scheduled stop and route plan lies a strict commitment to student well-being. Before the school year even kicks off, CUSD families are provided with comprehensive bilingual safety guides and transportation plans outlining boarding procedures, emergency protocols, and behavioral guidelines.

From strict bus stop creation rules—where community density and route safety determine stop locations—to rigorous vehicle checks, safety forms the core of the department's daily routine. Our drivers are well trained and bring joy to the position knowing they are sometimes the first person a student greets in their day outside of family. 

Dedicated Support for Local Families

Managing application deadlines, fee assistance verification, and route communications requires constant outreach. To ensure access for all families, the transportation team coordinates in-person verification appointments for income-qualified free transportation applications and offers bilingual support for district families.

Whether guiding a parent through the yearly pass application process or assisting a driver out on the road, the team at CUSD Transportation stays focused on a singular goal: getting students to and from school safely, every single day.

Key Information and Contact Details

• Location: 240 Harrison Ave, 2nd Floor, Campbell, CA 95008
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Phone: (408) 341-7208