Wednesday, AUGUST 27, 2025 |
Saratoga officials debated the necessity of installing school bus signs throughout town.
At the August 19th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Clerk Jennifer Anderson announced that she had received a letter from Carbon County School District Number Two Transportation Director and Mayor of Encampment Shannon Fagan. Clerk Anderson said Mayor Fagan wrote to suggest placing school bus stop signs at various locations around Saratoga.
In her letter, Mayor Fagan said the signs will help students identify designated bus stop areas each morning and alert drivers to locations where students may cross the road. Continuing to read from the Transportation Director’s letter, Clerk Anderson said Fagan recommended using purple and gold bus stop markers mounted on T-shaped metal posts, known for their durability and ease of installation.
Saratoga Mayor Chuck Davis asked Police Chief John Moore if the town was facing an issue with school bus stops. Chief Moore reported receiving multiple calls about drivers illegally passing school buses during student pick-up and drop-off, particularly near Medicine Waters Mobile Home Park on the east side of town.
However, Chief Moore said he believed the town must consult the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to ensure the suggested T-post signs comply with federal safety regulations.
Public Works Director Emery Penner said he agreed that the signs would need to meet federal Traffic Control Device, or TCD, standards. Penner warned that, for the sake of consistency, the town would need to install signs at all 30-plus school bus stops. The Public Works Director added that he supported the idea of helping students find their designated school bus waiting areas.
Penner said other communities, such as Laramie, don’t use school bus stop signs and suggested there may be a reason for their absence.
Councilman Jerry Fluty said motorists are more likely to pass a school bus if the driver stops on the side of the road. Councilman Fluty recommended instructing the bus drivers to remain in the center of the lane while loading and unloading students.
Town Clerk Anderson said the primary concern is students not gathering at a designated location. Anderson suggested having the schools teach students to stay out of the road while waiting for the school bus.
Public Works Director Penner agreed that an educational program would be more effective than signage. Councilman Mike Cooley added that students are unlikely to comply with a sign.
Mayor Davis tabled a decision on school bus stop signs until Chief Moore speaks with School District Two representatives and Public Works Director Penner consults the Federal Highway Administration.
