FILE:  ED-R

Cf:  ED

 

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS

 

 

The following are general regulations regarding bus stops, and student loading and unloading procedures.  Extreme situations may require a modification of the general regulations; however, good professional judgment should be exercised with STUDENT SAFETY as the primary basis for deviation from the regulations.  Deviations from these regulations require the approval of the Transportation Department.

 

BUS STOPS

 

  1. Bus stops should be located where they are safe for all students and convenient for the majority.  The location may be in the middle of the block, at or near an intersection or in front of the student's house, depending on the circumstances.
     

  2. Stops should not be located in business parking areas unless no safer alternative is available.
     

  3. Bus stops at intersections should be at the corner where a child does not have to cross without the protection of the bus operator and the safety lights of the bus.
     

  4. Centralized bus stops may be designated because of inaccessibility by school bus, hazardous conditions, or other justifiable reasons.
     

  5. Where city-type blocks exist, stops should be located approximately three (3) blocks apart, barring safety hazards.  Where city-type blocks do not exist, bus stops should be located approximately three tenths (.3) of a mile apart in populated areas, with the minimum distance between stops being 150 feet.  (These distances may be increased or decreased for safety reasons.)
     

  6. Lanes connecting to a main highway such as Hwy. 27 or 82:  bus will travel those .3 mile round trip or longer if a safe bus turnaround is available.  Lanes connecting to other roads or highways which are not considered main highways:  bus will travel those longer than .6 mile round trip if a safe bus turnaround is available.  New turnarounds will be accepted if they are certified safe and acceptable by the Supervisor of Transportation.

    BUSES ARE NOT PERMITTED TO TRAVEL ON UNDEDICATED, NONPUBLIC ROADWAYS WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION BY THE SUPERVISOR OF TRANSPORTATION.
     

  7. As a general principle, students in all grade levels will be required to walk no more than three tenths (.3) of a mile to a bus stop location, except in situations where safety dictates a greater distance.  If it becomes necessary to establish designated centralized bus stops, the distance from home may be increased.

    Shorter walking distances may be required in specific situations to ensure student safety; however, these situations require approval of the Supervisor of Transportation.  Daily route schedules and convenience for the majority of students, as well as safety, must be taken into account.

    NOTE:  IF STUDENTS ARE LOADED OR UNLOADED DURING DARKNESS, SEVERE WEATHER OR STREET FLOODING, STOPS SHOULD BE ARRANGED AT CLOSER INTERVALS WHEN POSSIBLE.      Operators are cautioned against the danger of driving through water in which hazardous objects may be submerged, or which may cause brake failure or damage to the bus.
     

  8. Students should be picked up and returned to the same morning and afternoon stops, unless written permission from the student's parent (guardian) has been approved by the principal and given to the operator.

    As a matter of convenience, buses may not be rerouted to change the drop off point.  If rerouting is required, the principal must contact appropriate staff to ascertain whether or not rerouting will be authorized by the Transportation Department.
     

  9. Buses cannot be rerouted to accommodate students who participate in before-school or after-school care at private homes or day care centers.  Only if the home or center is on an established route will the students be eligible for school bus transportation, and then only if space is available on existing buses.
     

  10. Parents may be required to bring students to a designated centralized bus stop location.  The bus operator should contact the Transportation Department for approval of stop locations before implementing this procedure.  Supervision of students at central bus stops shall be the responsibility of parents.
     

  11. The principal (or designee) should be advised by the operator when a student boards or gets off at a wrong bus stop.
     

  12. If a stop becomes overcrowded, additional stops should be established with the approval of the Supervisor of Transportation (or designee).
     

  13. Whenever possible, the bus stop should be arranged so that the bus door is on the side where students are waiting to board the bus.
     

  14. On special trips (field trips, athletic trips, etc.), students should be picked up at the school and discharged at the stop prearranged by school officials.  Students should not be discharged en route without prior written parental authorization approved by the school principal (or designee).

           

Revised:  August, 1997

 

Cameron Parish School Board