Western Quebec Transportation Policy
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 drivers 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 cooperate 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 ON THE BUS
Article 519.10 of the Highway Safety Code stipulates that students traveling on a School Bus may only carry hand luggage that will fit on their laps in order to:
Guarantee the driver's freedom of movement and safety at the wheel,
Keep all exists clear,
Protect all passengers against injuries caused by falling or mishandled articles on the bus.
Children's Luggage is a parent's responsibility
Luggage dimensions should not exceed (23x40x55 cm) (9x16x22 inches).
School bags and lunch boxes should be made out of vinyl, canvas, leather or other supple materials.
Objects should not protrude out of a bag.
Luggage should not jeopardize safety
Skates should be in a skate bag.
Oversized objects that will be refused:
Hockey sticks and equipment,
Tennis and other rackets,
Oversized musical instruments,
Ski equipment, toboggans,
Skateboards, snowboards,
Large school and home projects, etc.
* Note
All oversized objects must be delivered to school by another means of transportation.
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 SECONDARY TRANSPORTATION
The distance will be measured using the shortest route traveled 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
BOARDING AND ALIGHTING
The a.m. boarding point will be the same five (5) days a week.
The p.m. alighting point will be the same five (5) days a week.
* With the exception that Principals may permit alternative boarding and alighting points for humanitarian reasons (ex: medical emergency, death in the family).
RESPONSIBILITIES OF 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENTS
The students must be punctual and arrive at their designated bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the bus arrives.
The students must not run to their bus stop.
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 students 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 students 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;
General Guidelines
Singularly inexcusable conduct (i.e., threatening or assaulting driver, vandalism, stealing bus equipment, throwing objects from the bus etc.) shall result in an immediate and indefinite period of suspension of bus use.
When the security of passengers is menaced 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 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 AND WEAPONS
A student found to be in possession of alcoholic beverages, drugs, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be subject to the Western Québec Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Out of respect for the people around me, and to ensure my very own safety, I will follow the same rules as all other adult passengers of the STO, and act in a responsible manner.
WHEN I AM WAITING FOR THE BUS
I never run after a moving bus
I always make sure the driver can see me clearly
I arrive at the bus stop 3 to 5 minutes before the time indicated on the schedule in order to avoid having to run after a moving bus
I wait for the next bus rather than risk getting into a serious accident
After getting off the bus, I never cross in front of it to the other side.
* Remember : Unlike school buses, the city bus does not flash lights at each stop to protect me.
WHEN I AM AT THE BUS STOP
I check the route number and check the posted schedule
If there are other passengers at the stop, I take my proper place in line to make it easier for other passengers to get on the bus, and to speed up the service
If I am waiting inside the bus shelter, I make sure I do not throw any garbage on the floor or otherwise mess up the shelter. When I see the bus approaching, I step out of the shelter to allow the driver to see me, and I take out my Bus Pass.
When the bus arrives, I check the route number displayed on the destination sign at the top of the windshield, and let the driver know whether or not I will be getting on.
I do not go running after a moving bus. The driver is only authorized to allow people into the bus at the proper stops.
For lost and found or more information, STO (819-770-3242) www.sto.ca
WHEN I GET ON THE 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.
WHEN I GET OFF THE 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.