Student Transportation to School Policy Statement

ASSIGNED TRANSPORTATION TO EACH STUDENT

Any changes to the methods of transportation to and from school must be made through the Transportation Department at the Western Quebec School Board. No person, this includes parents, students themselves, Principals/School Staff, and/or Bus Drivers can authorize a change of the method of transportation. ONLY the Transportation Department of our school board can authorize an alteration in the bus or the route of the bus (this includes pick-up and drop-off areas). Even for a "one time" situation students will not be allowed to switch buses at any time, for any reason, unless authorized by the school board.

SECURITY

The School Board of Western Quebec and their transportation contractors take all possible safety measures in order to assure that each student is transported safely.

However, it is incumbent on all parents to take the necessary time to explain clearly all safety rules regarding school bus transportation. This is particularly important when dealing with kindergarten and elementary school students. All students should become familiar with the rules of security while getting on or off the bus.

In addition, each student should exercise caution when crossing a public thoroughfare. All students must cross in front of the bus, they must come to a full stop in front of the bumper extension arm, be well in view of the bus driver and await the driver's signal before crossing. Even though the flashing lights are operational, they must make sure that oncoming traffic has come to a complete stop in both directions before crossing.

ROLE OF THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER

The primary responsibility of the driver is to drive his/her vehicle safely. We therefore encourage you to co-operate with the driver and request that you stress to your child the importance of listening to the driver's instructions In the event that a conflict should arise, the matter should be referred to the school principal.

ITEMS WHICH STUDENTS MAY BRING ONTO SCHOOL BUSES

Article 509.10 of the Highway Safety Code states that students travelling on a school bus may carry only items that will fit on their lap. These items must be in an appropriate bag. Examples of items not permitted by Article 519.10 are: skis, skate boards, guitars, baseball bats, and large school projects.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

In the areas where transportation to and from school is provided by public transport, the board will pay the cost of a regular student pass less $10.00, the monthly fee payable by the student.

ELIGIBILITY FOR SECONDARY TRANSPORTATION

The distance will be measured using the shortest route travelled on a public road from the school to the student's residence. Secondary students whose residence is farther than 2 KM from the school are eligible for transportation.

TEMPORARY DISABILITY

Students with a temporary handicap and who are unable to ride a school bus safely must be transported to and from school by their parents.

WALKING DISTANCE TO THE BUS STOP

Students may be required to walk 1.6 KM on a public road to their bus stop, however under normal circumstances the walking distance is as follows: Secondary: 0.8 KM

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DRIVERS

Drivers are the key persons in the "School Bus System" and as such are to be supported by all students, parents, and school authorities. They are responsible for the safety and well-being of all passengers on their buses, and should report all infractions and problems regarding conduct to their designated supervisor, who, in return, will notify the school principal.

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENTS

  • The students must be punctual and arrive at their designated bus stops at least five (5) minutes before the bus arrives.
  • The Students must stay on the soft shoulder or the sidewalk until the bus comes to a full stop.
  • When boarding, if they must cross the street, the student must wait for the driver's signal before crossing
  • The students must board and alight the bus calmly.
  • The students must walk directly to their seats and remain seated until they reach their destination.
  • The students must abide by the transportation rules.
  • Yelling, whistling and shouting are forbidden on the bus.
  • Unless absolutely necessary, the students must refrain from talking to, disturbing or distracting the bus driver.
  • The student must keep their hands and heads inside the bus when it is moving.
  • The students must not throw any object inside or outside the bus.
  • When alighting, the students must walk three (3) steps away from the bus and ten (10) steps in front of the bus, passed the bumper extension arm and wait for the driver's signal before crossing.
  • The students who must cross the street must always go in front of the bus and watch for traffic.
  • The students are not permitted to eat on the school bus.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Based on written reports submitted by drivers or supervisors of student behaviour, the school administration will deal with each case based on the following guidelines

General

  • Singularly inexcusable conduct (ie., threatening or assaulting a driver, vandalism, stealing bus equipment, throwing objects from the bus, etc.) shall result in an immediate and indefinite period of suspension from bus use.
  • When the security of passengers is threatened by the actions of any rider, the driver may refuse to carry that person(s). Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the school principal.

Specific Procedure for Smoking on School Buses

  • Provincial and school board policy require that all cases of smoking be reported to the school administration. Offenders will be disciplined. Repeat offenders may lose bus privileges for an indefinite period of time.

Procedure for Alcohol, Drugs or Weapons

  • Students found to be in possession of alcoholic beverages, drugs, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will be subject to the Western Quebec Drug and Alcohol Policy.

WHEN I GET ON THE CITY BUS...

  • I show the driver my bus-pass so he can see it is valid.
  • I move toward the back of the bus to clear the entrance even if I am only going on a short trip.
  • As a simple courtesy, I leave the front seats free for older and physically handicapped people.
  • I do not smoke in the bus.
  • I do not stand between the driver and the fare box since that could block the driver's right view.

After getting off the bus, I never cross in front of it to the other side.
Unlike school buses, the city bus does not flash lights at each stop to protect me.

TO GET OFF THE CITY BUS...

  • I let the driver know I wish to get off by ringing the bell. I do so while I am still a reasonable distance away from the next stop in order to give the driver enough time to stop the vehicle.
  • I use the back door so as not to get in the way of passengers getting on.

In some city buses, I need to wait for the light signal to open the back doors. In others, I simply need to push the red panel to activate the door-opening mechanism.