Feb. 10, 2026- February is Love the Bus Month, and in 2026, there's been no better time to show love and appreciation for buses and their drivers, mechanics, and route planners. 

It's already been quite the year for weather, and transportation departments throughout the country have been pressed into action and sent into overdrive — and overtime — getting people to and from their destinations safely amidst hazardous conditions. Nowhere has that been more true than school districts, especially at Toms River Regional Schools, one the state's biggest districts and boasting NJ's largest board-owned fleet of vehicles.

Intermediate South was ahead of the game, as the school felt collectively compelled last week to pay tribute to transportation workers going — quite literally — the extra mile for students through snow, ice, cold weather, and delayed openings.

"The dedicated bus drivers of Toms River consistently ensure that our students arrive safely at Intermediate South each day," said Assistant Principal Casey Daniel, who invited students in Regina Feliz’s sixth-grade life skills Lunch Club to help express the school’s appreciation.

The students enthusiastically baked and decorated cupcakes and, with assistance from several eighth-grade students, delivered those treats to the school's drivers as a small token of gratitude.

“Our bus drivers play an essential role in our school community,” said Daniel. “Their dedication, reliability, and care for our students each day does not go unnoticed. We are grateful for all they do to keep our students safe.”

The district as a whole certainly echoes those sentiments. In line with the state department's declaration of Wednesday, Feb. 11 as Wear Yellow Day, staff and students throughout Toms River Regional Schools have been encouraged to don yellow tomorrow in honor of bus drivers and everyone involved in making them run promptly and safely, no matter the weather.

In other words, we have love for the bus, but especially those behind the wheel and behind the scenes, navigating the literal and figurative terrain on behalf of our students. Thank you!