Safe and reliable transportation is a top priority for Ua Transportation, and to ensure the well-being of all students, it’s essential for both students and parents to understand and adhere to the established bus rules and safety guidelines. Upper Arlington Schools provides comprehensive information to help facilitate safe transportation to and from school. Please take a moment to review the following rules and tips to contribute to a secure environment for everyone.
Bus Rider Rules for UA Transportation Students
Students utilizing UA Transportation services are expected to adhere to the following rules to ensure a safe and orderly environment on school buses:
- Punctuality: Arrive at your designated bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled arrival time. This helps maintain the bus schedule and prevents students from rushing.
- Safe Waiting: Wait for the bus in a safe location, away from traffic and off the roadway. Listen carefully to the bus driver’s instructions regarding the designated safe waiting area at your stop.
- Respectful Behavior: Conduct yourselves respectfully at the bus stop, ensuring your behavior does not endanger or threaten the safety, well-being, or property of anyone.
- Prompt Seating: Upon boarding the bus, proceed directly to an available or assigned seat. This allows the bus to resume motion quickly and safely.
- Remain Seated: Stay seated at all times while the bus is in motion. Keep aisles and exits clear of obstructions to ensure safe passage in case of emergency.
- Classroom Conduct: Exhibit classroom-level behavior on the bus. Obey the driver’s instructions promptly and respectfully. The bus driver is responsible for the safety and conduct of all students on board.
- Prohibited Conduct:
- Refrain from using profane language, gestures, or making inappropriate suggestions.
- Eating, drinking, or chewing gum is not permitted on the bus, except when medically necessary.
- Tobacco use or possession is strictly prohibited on the bus.
- Alcohol or illegal drugs are not allowed on the bus, except for prescribed medication required by a student.
- Do not throw or pass objects within, from, or into the bus as this can cause distractions and hazards.
- Permitted Items: Only carry items that can be safely held in your lap. Transportation of larger items such as band instruments is subject to driver supervision and in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3301-83-20-J.
- Prohibited Items: Do not bring dangerous items on the bus, including glass objects, aerosol or spray cans, animals, balloons, or anything that could obstruct the driver’s view or pose a risk to passengers.
- Designated Stops: Board and exit the bus only at your assigned stops, unless you have obtained prior parental and administrative authorization for a change.
- Stay Inside: Keep all body parts and objects inside the bus windows at all times.
- Respect Bus Property: Do not damage the bus in any way. Vandalism and damage to school property will not be tolerated.
- Emergency Medical Card: Complete and return the emergency medical card to your bus driver as soon as possible. This confidential information is essential for drivers and bus aides to ensure student safety and well-being during UA Transportation.
Bus Stop Safety Guidelines for UA Transportation
Ensuring safety at the bus stop is just as crucial as on the bus. UA Transportation emphasizes the following bus stop safety procedures:
Designated Places of Safety
As per Ohio Administrative Code 3301-83-13-B-6, UA Transportation ensures each student is assigned a designated place of safety on their residence side of the street. Bus drivers are required to account for every student at the designated safety spot before departing. Students should only proceed to their homes after the school bus has left the bus stop area.
Street Crossing Procedures for Bus Pick-Up and Drop-Off
When street crossing is necessary to board or exit the bus, UA Transportation advises the following procedures:
AM Bus Pick-Up (Crossing the Street)
- WAIT: Stand at your designated place of safety, at least 10 feet back from the edge of the roadway.
- WATCH: Pay close attention to the bus driver for the hand signal indicating it is safe to cross.
- CHECK & WALK: Once the driver signals, check for any traffic, then walk straight across the road, approximately 10 feet in front of the bus. This position allows the driver to maintain visibility of all students crossing.
- ENTER: Board the bus quickly and safely, taking an available or assigned seat.
PM Bus Drop-Off (Crossing the Street)
- STOP & WATCH: Once you exit the bus, move to the side of the roadway, approximately 10 feet away from the front of the bus. Watch for the driver’s hand signal indicating it is safe to cross.
- STOP at Bus Edge: Halt at the left front corner of the bus.
- LOOK: Check for traffic in all directions – left, right, and left again – before crossing.
- STOP at Safety Spot: Proceed directly to your designated place of safety on the residence side of the street.
- WAIT for Departure: Wait until the bus has completely departed before proceeding to your residence.
Procedures When Not Crossing the Street
When crossing the street is not required to approach or leave the bus, UA Transportation recommends these guidelines:
AM Bus Pick-Up (No Street Crossing)
- WAIT Safely: Wait at your designated safe spot, positioned at least 10 feet away from the roadway.
- WAIT for Bus & Signal: Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop, the door to open, and for the driver to signal that it is safe to approach.
- WALK & Board: Walk to the bus and board safely and quickly, taking an available or assigned seat.
PM Bus Drop-Off (No Street Crossing)
- WALK to Safety: Upon exiting the bus, walk directly to your designated place of safety.
- WAIT for Departure: Wait for the bus to leave the area before proceeding to your residence.
Important Tips for Parents Regarding UA Transportation
Parents play a vital role in ensuring smooth and safe UA Transportation for their children. Please consider these important tips:
- Timely Arrival: Ensure your student is at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. Buses adhere to strict schedules, and being on time is crucial.
- Bus Cards: Current bus riders should return completed bus cards to their drivers by September 15th to maintain their bus riding privileges.
- New Riders: After September 15th, parents of new bus riders must contact the Transportation Department at 614.487.6477 before their child attempts to ride the bus to ensure proper arrangements.
- Middle School Exception: Middle school students who were not riding the bus initially due to Fall Sports participation may begin riding if they present the driver with a dated note from a parent. This note must include the bus number, designated bus stop, parent signature, and a reachable phone number.
- Guest Riders: Due to capacity limitations, friends riding as guests are generally not permitted unless there is available space. Parents must contact the bus garage to request and receive permission for a friend to ride along.
- Four-Lane Road Safety: It is legally prohibited for students to board or exit the bus at a stop that necessitates crossing a four-lane road to reach their home, even with crosswalks or traffic lights. Please verify that your child’s bus stop is located on the residential side of any four-lane roads. Contact the Transportation Department if you have any questions regarding this safety regulation.
By working together and adhering to these UA Transportation guidelines, we can collectively ensure the safest possible transportation experience for all students.
