Transportation

The greatest risk to your child is not riding a bus, but approaching or leaving one. Parents/guardians should visit the bus stop and show your young child where to wait for the bus: at least 3 giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play. Instruct your child to wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it is okay before approaching the bus door. Children should be instructed to never cross behind or chase after a school bus. Crossing must be done in from of the bus and only after making eye contact with the driver. If your child drops something near the bus they should let the driver know. They should never try to pick up or retrieve an item that has fallen around or under the bus.

Expectations for Student Behavior

Children who ride the bus must not jeopardize their own safety or the safety of others. Busing is a privilege which will be denied if students do not follow bus safety rules.  While riding on the school bus, students should remember that the bus driver is not only responsible for the bus, but has complete authority and responsibility to control the conduct of the bus passengers while in transit. All students must follow the instructions given by the driver. If, at any time, in the judgment of the driver, a student fails to follow instructions and violates the safety requirements, the driver will issue a written referral. The referral will be processed by the school administrator.

Parents should complete the “Student Transportation Change Form.”  Once completed the form must be submitted to the main office of your child’s school.

Students will be picked-up or dropped off at the nearest regular stop that buses can reach without crossing a covered road.  Students of Elementary and Primary school ages will be returned to school if no one is there to meet them at drop off. The Transportation Department will attempt to reach parents/guardians to notify them when this practice is in effect.

First, check with your child’s school to be sure the address on your child’s record is correct. When assigning bus stops, the Transportation Department considers student safety and operating the most efficient routes possible. For Elementary and Primary school students the walk distance is .3 miles and for High and Middle students the walk distance is .4 miles.  If you think PCPS has made a mistake in the placement of your child’s bus stop, contact the Transportation Department. They will review the stop and may make an adjustment.

This varies according to the size of the bus. Our largest buses are designed to carry up to 77 elementary and primary school students and up to 51 high and middle school students.  For safety reasons, passengers are not allowed to stand unless instructed/authorized due to extenuating circumstances.

With the exception of high water conditions or when a kindergarten student is the only student getting off at a given stop the choice is yours.

Time does not permit the stopping at every home that we drive past that has students residing in it.  PCPS reviews bus routes and stops annually.  There are several factors that are considered when establishing a stop such as: Is there good visibility in both directions for the bus and the other motorists? Can a bus safely turn around? The proximity of child predators? PCPS reviews bus routes annually and stop changes may be made to provide the safest and most efficient routes.

Contact your child's school to make a change.