Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

1. Overview

Lakewood Student Transportation Authority (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates this website to allow parents and legal guardians to request and register for student transportation services. We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information, including information relating to children and families.

This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, stored, and protected when you use our website or communicate with us electronically, including by email or text message (SMS).

2. Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide

When you register for and/or request transportation services for a student, we may collect the following information:

Parent / Guardian Information

Full name
Email address
Phone number
Home address

Student Information

Student name
School name
Grade level
Home address and/or pickup/drop-off location

Credit Card Information
When payment is required, credit card information is submitted directly to our third-party payment processor. We do not store or retain credit card information on our systems.

All information is provided voluntarily by parents or legal guardians solely for the purpose of administering and supporting school transportation services.

B. Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect limited technical information, such as:

IP address
Browser type and device information
Pages visited and time spent on the site

This information is used only for system security, troubleshooting, and performance improvement.

3. How We Use Information

We use collected information only for purposes directly related to student transportation services, including:

Processing and managing transportation registrations
Communicating with parents or guardians regarding:

Account balances
Transportation schedules
Route updates or changes
Service notifications

Coordinating with schools, school districts, or authorized transportation providers
Maintaining system security and operational integrity
Complying with legal and regulatory requirements

We do not use personal information for marketing, advertising, or promotional purposes.

4. SMS / Text Message Communications (10DLC & TCPA Compliance)

By voluntarily providing your mobile phone number through our website or registration forms, you consent to receive text messages (SMS) from Lakewood Student Transportation Authority solely related to transportation services, including:

Account balance notifications
Route updates
Schedule changes
Service-related alerts

Important SMS Disclosures:

Message frequency varies based on account activity and service needs
Message and data rates may apply
You may opt out at any time by replying STOP
For assistance, reply HELP or contact us using the information below

Phone Number Use & Sharing

Phone numbers are used only to communicate with the parent or legal guardian who provided them
Phone numbers are NOT sold, rented, shared, or disclosed to third parties for marketing or advertising
Phone numbers are never used for promotional messaging

5. Disclosure of Information

We do not sell, rent, trade, or share personal information for marketing purposes.

Information may be shared only when necessary with:

Authorized school district personnel
Approved transportation service providers
Technology vendors supporting hosting or secure data storage under confidentiality agreements
Government authorities when required by law

All disclosures are limited to what is necessary to perform transportation-related services.

6. Student Privacy & Legal Compliance

FERPA

Student information is treated as education records and handled in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), where applicable.

COPPA

This website is intended for use by parents or legal guardians. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13 without parental consent.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. While we take security seriously, no internet-based system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

8. Data Retention

Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to:

Provide transportation services
Meet school district operational requirements
Comply with applicable New Jersey record retention laws

When information is no longer required, it is securely deleted or archived.

9. Your Rights

Parents and legal guardians may have the right to:

Review personal information about themselves or their child
Request correction of inaccurate information
Request deletion of information, subject to legal and operational requirements

10. Cookies

This website may use cookies required for basic functionality, such as session management. We do not use cookies for advertising or behavioral tracking.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our SMS communications, please contact:

Lakewood Student Transportation Authority
Email: info@lakewoodsta.org