Navigating school transportation can be a key part of a student’s day. For students within the Rochester City School District (RCSD), understanding the Transportation Rcsd system is essential for a smooth and safe journey to and from school. RCSD provides transportation services to eligible students, primarily through the Regional Transit Service (RTS), ensuring access to education for all. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about RCSD transportation, from bus passes to important rules and regulations.
Understanding Your RCSD Student Bus Pass
The Rochester City School District utilizes the RTS public transit system to transport students who reside more than 1.5 miles from their assigned school. Eligible students are provided with a bus pass, which is actually their School of the Arts (SOTA) student ID card. This card serves as your transportation rcsd bus pass and must be carried at all times during the school day.
Key Features of your RCSD Student Bus Pass (SOTA ID):
- Student Identification: Your SOTA ID serves dual purposes – school identification and bus pass.
- Photo Requirement: A student photo is mandatory for the Smartcard ID. IDs cannot be printed without a photograph, ensuring security and proper usage.
- RTS Logo: The presence of the RTS logo on your ID confirms it is valid for transportation rcsd services.
Rules and Regulations for Riding RTS Buses in RCSD
Just like in school buildings, appropriate behavior is expected on all RTS buses serving RCSD students. However, due to the nature of bus travel, additional safety guidelines are in place to ensure a secure environment for everyone. Adhering to these rules is crucial for maintaining your transportation rcsd privileges.
Essential Bus Conduct Rules:
- Respect the Driver: The RTS driver’s primary responsibility is the safe operation of the bus. Students must refrain from any actions that could distract the driver.
- Safety First: Any behavior that endangers or threatens the safety and well-being of others is strictly prohibited.
- No Food, Drinks, or Smoking: To maintain cleanliness and prevent distractions, food, drinks, smoking, and music without headphones are not allowed on RTS buses.
- Prohibited Conduct: Fighting, profanity, and vandalism are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
- No Weapons: Possession of any sharp instruments, tools, or weapons is strictly forbidden.
- Respect Others: Always be mindful and respectful of the rights and personal space of fellow passengers.
Consequences of Misconduct:
- Pass Confiscation: School officials, bus operators, or the Rochester Police Department (RPD) may request a student to surrender their bus pass due to misconduct. Cooperation is expected to minimize further consequences.
- Loss of Riding Privileges: Confiscation of your transportation rcsd pass will result in temporary loss of riding privileges, and you will be responsible for your own transportation costs during this time.
- Suspension and Permanent Loss: Unsafe or inappropriate behavior can lead to being asked to leave the bus. Repeated offenses may result in a permanent loss of transportation rcsd services.
Express Transfer Routes and Regular Bus Lines
RCSD utilizes different types of bus routes to serve students efficiently:
- Express Transfer Routes: Many RCSD schools are serviced by Express Transfer Routes, designed to bypass downtown Rochester for quicker travel times. Students assigned to these routes must use them for both morning and afternoon commutes. Important: If you miss your Express Transfer Bus, you are responsible for your own fare.
- Regular Line Service: Some students may use regular RTS bus lines, which might require transfers in downtown Rochester.
After School Activity Transportation:
Students participating in after-school activities require an Activity Pass in addition to their RTS card. This allows them to use regular bus lines for transportation up to 60 minutes after the regular school dismissal time.
Pass Usage Guidelines:
- Valid Pass Required: You must have a valid RTS bus pass (your SOTA ID) to board the bus. Without it, you will be required to pay the regular fare.
- Personal Use Only: Your School Identification Card is for your use only. Do not give it to another student for any reason.
- Card Integrity: Mutilating, defacing, replicating, covering the face on, or placing someone else’s picture on your ID card is prohibited.
- Time Restrictions: Pass validity is limited to the hours posted on the back of the pass.
- Express Transfer Routes: Morning routes are for travel to school. Afternoon routes from school. Passes cannot be used on regular lines except 1.5 hours after dismissal (4:00 PM) until 9:00 PM.
- All Day Passes: Students with “All Day Passes” can travel on any city route from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Sidewalk Safety: After exiting the bus, always wait on the sidewalk until the bus has completely pulled away before crossing or moving.
Replacing a Lost RCSD Bus Pass
Losing your bus pass can be inconvenient. RCSD provides a process for replacement:
- One Free Replacement: Each student is entitled to one free replacement ID card/bus pass per school year.
- Report Lost Pass Immediately: Report a lost pass to the Main Office before 12:00 PM. This allows the request to be sent to Transportation.
- Replacement Timeline: Same-day replacement is not guaranteed. The Main Office may provide a temporary 2+2/All Day pass while you wait.
- Subsequent Lost Passes: For any further lost passes within the same year, a parent/guardian must apply for a new one at the Transportation Department (835 Hudson Ave, Bldg. 1). A $2.00 replacement fee applies.
Retrieving a Confiscated Pass:
If your pass is confiscated due to misconduct, a parent/guardian must visit the Transportation Department at 835 Hudson Ave., Bldg. 1 to retrieve it. A minimum 5-day suspension of transportation rcsd privileges applies to confiscated cards.
RCSD Transportation Contact Information
For any questions or concerns regarding transportation rcsd, please utilize the following contact information:
- SOTA Academy Director: 585-242-7682 x6111
- RCSD Transportation Office: 585-336-4000
- RTS/RGRTA Customer Service: 585-288-1700
- RTS/RGRTA Lost and Found: 585-654-0610
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, RCSD students can ensure they have access to safe and reliable transportation rcsd services, contributing to a positive and productive school experience.
