Safe Ride

Bus Expectations

Parents and Bus Riders

The goal of this Bus Rider’s Handbook is to help provide a safe and enjoyable experience for children and adults

who ride school buses. Parents should take time to read and discuss the material in this handbook with their

children. Riding a school bus is a privilege provided by the school district and should be treated as such.

BUS PASS REQUIREMENTS

A BUS PASS will be required to ride the bus.

The BUS PASS is issued by and is only available through the Transportation Department.

Cost for a replacement BUS PASS is $5.00

Scholars may begin utilizing their BUS PASS for loading and departing the bus upon issue.

The following guidelines will fully take effect beginning 25 August 2025.

BOARDING THE BUS

1. With a bus pass

a. Scholars must have their bus pass on a lanyard, which must be visible at all times.

b. Scholars must scan their bus pass with the RFID reader located in the step-well area of the bus.

c. Driver will verify that the scholar is approved to ride via the tablet.

2. Without bus pass

a. If the scholar does not have a bus pass, the driver will issue a temporary BUS PASS and the driver

will manually enter the scholar by their name or i.d. number and the scholar will be allowed to board

the bus after verifying the campus they attend.

i. The scholar will receive a copy of the temporary pass and transportation will contact the

guardian regarding the bus pass guidelines and how to order a replacement bus pass.

b. Scholars without a bus pass for more than two (2) consecutive days will not be permitted to board the

bus. The bus driver will contact dispatch for the guardian to be notified that the scholar was not

permitted to board the bus.

c. Drivers must consult their supervisor/dispatcher before denying transportation to any scholar at any

time.

EXITING THE BUS

1. With badge

a. Scholars must have badges on a lanyard, which must be visible at all times.

b. Scholar will use the badge scanner to show they have exited the bus

c. The driver will be notified via the tablet if the stop is the assigned stop for the scholar

2. Without badge

a. The scholar will notify the driver and the driver will manually disembark the scholar indicating where

the scholar exited the bus

Scholars will be permitted to ride the bus for two (2) consecutive days before being required to purchase a

replacement BUS PASS. Replacement BUS PASSES are available ONLY from the transportation department and

can only be ordered and paid for via the Replacement Bus Pass link located on the Transportation webpage

https://www.duncanvilleisd.org/departments/transportation/transportation). Immediately upon issuance of a new

(replacement) BUS PASS, the old BUS PASS will be deactivated and rendered invalid.

General Safety Rules

1. Scholars are under the authority of the Duncanville Independent SchoolDistrict. Scholars will follow the instructions of the driver. At no time will a scholar address the bus

driver in a disrespectful manner.

2. Scholar Identification: All scholars will wear their BUS PASS. and present it when asked by a driver.

3. Load and unload the bus at designated stops only.

4. Only scholars who are eligible to ride may be transported and must ride their assigned bus in

the assigned seat.

5. Scholars WILL NOT be permitted to ride on another bus with a friend. Most buses are at capacity.

6. It is the responsibility of the parents to provide transportation to school if a child misses the

bus.

7. If a bus is equipped with passenger seatbelts, each passenger must wear it while the bus is in

motion.

Procedures for Scholars Waiting for the Bus

1. Be at your bus stop five (5) minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. The driver cannot wait or

honk for riders.

2. The driver may not pick up scholars unless they are at their designated bus stop.

3. Stand on the sidewalk or stand back from the roadway while waiting for the bus.

4. When you see the bus, form a line, and prepare to load immediately.

5. Stand clear of the bus until it comes to a complete stop.

6. Scholars who miss the bus should go home immediately.

7. Do Not run towards an approaching bus after a departing bus for any reason.

8. Parents should instruct their children on what procedures to follow if they miss the bus.

9. Scholars will abide by the school rules and regulations concerning bus scholars, including conduct

and dress code.

Loading the Bus

1. Do not push or shove.

2. Use handrail and steps.

3. Go to your assigned seat. Fasten seatbelt, if equipped. The bus will not move until all scholars are seated

and secure.

Conduct on the Bus

1. Remain seated with a seatbelt fastened while the bus is moving.

2. Scholars will remain in their seat until instructed otherwise by the driver.

3. A scholar shall not refuse to sit in an assigned seat or deny another a place to sit.

4. Each scholar will be expected to remain seated with a seatbelt fastened for the duration of the trip

and remain seated until the door opens.

5. Normal conversation is permitted; loud noises/music may distract the driver, causing unsafe conditions.

6. Scuffling, fighting, the use of obscene, vulgar, or profane language or gestures is strictly prohibited and

may constitute suspended bus privileges. The appropriate personnel may be called in regards to

any fight on the school bus.

7. Do not spit or throw any object inside or outside the bus.

8. Do not mark, cut or scratch any part of the bus. Vandalism costs will be charged to the person or

persons who are responsible including poking, tearing, or ripping any areas that may not have been

repaired from previous vandalism still being addressed.

9. The emergency door and exit controls should be used by pupils only during supervised drills or

actual emergencies.

10. Scholars shall face forward for the duration of the trip, keeping their feet on the floor in front of them and

out of the aisle.

11. Scholars will not extend any part of their body or extend any article out of the window whether the bus is in

motion or not.

Exiting the Bus

1. Stay seated with seatbelt fastened until the bus is completely stopped.

2. Be sure to remove all personal items upon exiting.

3. Wait your turn to leave the bus. Pushing and crowding will only slow exiting and may cause an accident.

4. No scholar is allowed to get off at a stop other than their assigned stop on their assigned route.

5. If any article drops or rolls near or under the bus, do not go after it. Go to the door of the bus and ask the

driver for assistance once the bus is no longer in motion.

6. All Pre-K and kindergarten scholars must have a parent, listed approved adult or sibling present at the

bus stop in order for the younger scholar to be released from the bus. If no adult or sibling is present, or

if the parent or listed approved adults cannot be contacted, the scholar(s) will be returned to their home

campus for pick up. Every driver has a roster of their scholars and their listed bus stops to assist in

drop-off verification.

Crossing the Street or Roadway

1. All scholars living on the left side of the roadway shall exit the bus, move to a point 10-12 feet in front of

the right bumper, and wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to cross.

2. Check in both directions and walk directly across the road.

3. Never cross the road behind the bus.

4. CAUTION! Be alert for vehicles that do not stop when the bus is loading and unloading scholars.

5. Cross all streets at intersections. Obey all traffic signals and signs on your way home.

Prohibited Items

1. Tobacco, vaporizers, electronic cigarettes, drugs, or drug paraphernalia.

2. Hoods must be off before board and remain off while on the bus.

3. Live animals or insects.

4. Glass containers.

5. Alcoholic beverages.

6. Weapons, explosives (such as fireworks), knives, water guns, laser pens or pointers. Any unsheathed

pointed article(s) or object(s) that could be considered dangerous to the safety of the scholars and the

driver.

7. Scholars will keep the aisle clear. Any article (school projects, band/orchestra instrument, sports

equipment, etc.) too large to be held in the scholar’s lap will not be allowed on the bus.

8. Matches, cigarette lighters

9. Scholars will not eat or drink on the school bus. Bottles or cans whether full or empty will not be allowed

on any bus with the exception of bottled water.

Drivers and school officials are not responsible for articles left on the bus.

Accidents or Emergencies

1. Follow the bus driver’s instructions.

2. If scholars must leave the bus, stay in a group.

3. The following procedures will be used for evacuation in an emergency situation:

A. The scholar nearest the door will open the door and hold it open.

B. Leave the bus in a single file as quickly and as quietly as possible.

C. Evacuation will start with the scholar chosen by the driver.

D. Once outside the bus, follow the driver’s instructions at all times.

Extra-Curricular Trips

1. Bus rider rules apply to all school sponsored events.

2. Discipline on the bus will be the responsibility of the school principal and the trip sponsor.

3. The bus must be kept clean and free of any articles left behind upon return.

Video

1. Video cameras with sound are used on each bus with live access.

2. Video recordings may be viewed by the Director of Transportation, Operations Manager, Student

Management Coordinator, School Principals, and Administration Personnel only.

3. Video tapes or copies will not be released from the Transportation Office.

DISCIPLINE

The school bus is an extension of the classroom. All rules that apply in the classroom apply to the bus. The

discipline will be administered by the Transportation Student Management Supervisor. All school board policies

that apply to scholar conduct and other scholar related activities apply to the school bus.

Suspensions from receiving transportation services can carry over to the next school year. Transportation is not

provided for any scholar assigned to the Summit Education Center. The bus and the bus stop area are

considered an extension of the regular classroom, and the area around the bus stop is considered school

property. Any violation of the Student Code of Conduct while on the bus or near a bus stop will result in a

disciplinary consequence.

Level and consequences for improper conduct on the bus include the following:

Level I Conduct behaviors:

1. Very loud talking, screaming

2. Using inappropriate language

3. Speaking in a way that teases, hurts or harasses others

4. Failure to keep the bus clean

5. Eating or drinking on the bus without the permission of the driver (water is permitted in a proper container

during the extreme heat of the summer months)

6. Failure to follow the bus driver’s instructions when they are given

Consequences of Level I Misbehavior

Parent notification and one or more of the following:

1. Warning (written or verbal)

2. Assigned to another seat

3. Consultation with campus administrator

The Transportation Student Management Supervisor at their discretion may increase the consequence of any

level of misconduct.

Level II Conduct behaviors:

1. Failure to be seated when the bus is moving

2. Failure to keep seatbelt fastened during bus operation

Failure to keep hands, head or feet inside the bus

4. Throwing any object inside or out of the bus

5. Horseplay (rough, boisterous play)

Vandalizing the bus or others personal property

7. Spraying cologne, air fresheners or other scented sprays

Possession of aerosol cans

Inappropriate conversations initiated by the scholar towards the bus driver/attendant

10. Continuation of Level I behavior

Consequences of Level II Misbehavior

Transportation will send a referral to the campus Reimbursement of damages to property – riding privileges will not resume until payment or a payment

agreement has been made. Costs are not to exceed $250.

1. 1st referral – warning up to 3 days bus riding suspension

2. 2nd referral – 10 days bus riding suspension

3. 3rd referral – 15 days bus riding suspension

4. 4th referral – semester bus riding suspension

5. 5th referral – discipline at the discretion of the Student Management Coordinator, Transportation Director

and Campus Principal

6. If a scholar receives a bus suspension that extends into the next school year, they will not be eligible for

summer school transportation. Additionally, days missed during summer school do not count toward

completing the suspension period.

Level III Conduct (Severe) behaviors:

Possession or use of the following:

1. Fighting / Bullying

2. Inappropriate scholar to scholar sexual contact or harassment

3. Weapons (guns, knives, or any device that may be used as a weapon)

4. Matches or lighters

5. Controlled substance, including drugs, alcohol, vapes,and tobacco

6. Continuation of Level II behavior

Consequences of Level III Misbehavior

Transportation will send a referral to the campus:

1. Fighting/Bullying: Minimum of 5 days suspended riding privileges for the first offense. Suspension will be

longer based on the severity of the fight and for repeat offenders (to be determined by the Transportation

Student Management Coordinator, Director of Transportation and Campus Principal)

2. All other behaviors associated with Level III: Riding privileges will be suspended for a minimum of 90

school days but not to exceed 170 school days and must be served to the full extent of the suspension.

Suspensions that have not been fulfilled by the end of the school year will be carried over to the next

academic year.

3. If a scholar receives a bus suspension that extends into the next school year, they will not be eligible for