Transportation

Transportation


Student Transportation

At the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) busing service may be provided for elementary students (grades K-5) residing 1.6 Km or more from their designated school. TTC tickets may be provided for middle school students (grades 6-8) residing 3.2 Km or more from their designated school. The safety and welfare of students is a shared responsibility. Parents can help to ensure that it remains safe by stressing school bus safety with their children. Below, please find useful information that will help to make your child's journey a safe one.


Boarding/Departing Bus

Parents/guardians are encouraged to review their child's walking route to the bus stop, advising about safety concerns. Students getting off a bus at a stop must have an adult there to pick them up. In order to change their normal bus and/or stop, parents must contact the school office.

Bus passengers should arrive at the bus stop no later than five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Once bus doors are closed and the bus has departed, drivers cannot stop for late arriving students.

While waiting at the bus stop, students are expected to stand a safe distance from the street and are expected to respect private property. When the bus approaches, students must observe the instructions of the driver. This is particularly important in the winter when slick road conditions exist.

If students are required to cross the road, they should follow the driver's instructions and always cross in front of the bus with the aid of the flashing stop sign lights and crossing arm. Students dropped off at school loading zones where the bus lights are not activated, should wait until the bus departs before crossing the street.


Accidents/Breakdowns/Delays

School bus travel is extremely safe. Bus drivers are trained in defensive driving techniques and buses are carefully maintained. The size and bright yellow colour make school buses very visible. The school bus is designed to protect passengers from impact. The floor is raised, the window glass is shatterproof, and there are strengthened reinforcements along the sides of the bus. Yet, given the thousands of miles travelled annually, and the traffic conditions in our area, accidents, breakdowns and delays due to inclement weather can happen. All the buses have two-way radios and help can be just minutes away. One of the most important things to a bus driver in the event of an accident or breakdown is passenger cooperation. In case of delays of more than 10-15 minutes, parents are encouraged to contact the school.


Severe Weather

Occasionally, severe weather conditions may require the TDSB to cancel transportation. This may occur before the beginning of the school day or if conditions become severe during the school day. The Board Severe Weather Procedures will guide decisions and operations. Visit the web site at www.tdsb.on.ca or listen to the local radio or TV station from 6:00 am onward for bus cancellation announcements. Parents and guardians should familiarize themselves with the procedures and communication plan to ensure the safety of their children.


Passenger Safety

The bus driver is responsible for ensuring each passenger arrives to and from school safely each day. Drivers receive special training and rigorous examinations and must maintain a good driving record. Safe, respectful conduct is expected of all passengers.

The TDSB reserves the right to suspend transportation privileges for any student who demonstrates behaviour unreasonably distracting to the driver which may contribute to unsafe operation.

Parents are requested keep the school and transportation company up-to-date on any changes to your child's medical health and contact information so that emergency contacts are accurate at all times throughout the year.