Skip Navigation

Bus Safety and Expectations

Family responsibilities

Families are responsible for getting their children to the bus stop safely, reviewing safety and behavior expectations and reinforcing these with children. Please treat bus drivers as you wish to be treated. If you have concerns about a driver, then contact the transportation area office at 804-464-3077; choose option 2 for special education transportation or choose option 3 for general transportation. Alternatively, you can communicate with the Transportation Department using an online form at oneccps.org/transportation.

  • Know which days your student will need transportation to school.
  • Use ParentVUE (oneccps.org/parentvue-studentvue) to indicate any alternate addresses (i.e. day care provider) where they will be picked up or dropped off on a routine basis.
  • Know your bus stop location before school begins. Visit e-Link at chesterfield.tylertech.com/elinkrp/ to locate your assigned bus stop.
  • Accompany prekindergarten and kindergarten students at the bus stop in the morning and afternoon. Parents of prekindergarten and kindergarten students must come within 5 feet of the bus door to pick up their children.
  • Parents/guardians or authorized individuals are not permitted to board the bus unless requested by the bus driver.
  • Prekindergarten and kindergarten students will be returned to school if a designated individual is not present at the bus stop to collect the student. At the driver’s discretion, older students may also be returned to school if a designated individual is not present to pick them up.
  • Review school procedures for temporary changes to busing arrangements. Students who plan to use transportation other than their regular bus or load or unload at a different stop must have written parental permission and receive prior written approval from the appropriate school official. Documentation of the school’s approval must be presented to the bus driver. Final approval is provided by the Transportation Department based on bus capacity.
  • Teach your children about school bus safety, and talk about it often. Ask questions to make sure they understand. Parents are responsible for any damage their child causes to the bus.
  • Wait to meet your child on the side of the bus they will exit. Eager children may disregard safety training.
  • Recognize drivers for performing their jobs safely.

Student responsibilities

The bus is considered an extension of the classroom, and families should emphasize this to students. Riding the bus is a privilege that can be taken away if the rules are not obeyed. Review the Chesterfield County Public Schools standards for student conduct, which also apply at bus stops and on school buses.

Before loading the bus, students should

  • Walk to the bus, don’t run.

  • Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early and 10 minutes early during the first week of school.

  • Stand at least 10 feet from the road while waiting for the bus.

  • Stand at least 10 feet from a moving bus and wait until the bus stops before approaching.

  • Wait for the driver to motion the direction to cross in front of the bus if needed.

  • Form a line and take turns to board the bus in an orderly way.

  • Be picked up only at their designated bus stop.

  • Note: Students who are ill (vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, etc.) at the start of the school day or at dismissal will not be allowed to ride the bus.

While on the bus, students should

  • Always remain in the assigned bus seat.
  • Exit the bus only at the assigned stop.
  • Respect the bus driver, other students and property.
  • Obey the bus driver’s instructions.
  • Keep hands and feet off others and their property.
  • Face forward while the bus is in motion.
  • Keep the aisle clear.
  • Keep all body parts inside the bus.
  • Speak only to those nearby using an inside voice and respectful words.
  • Share the seat with others.
  • Place book bags under the bus seat or in the lap.
  • Place trash in the wastebasket.
  • Communicate problems or conflicts with the bus driver.
  • Follow cellphone guidance in policy 4010-R on oneccps.org under the School Board tab in the policies section.
  • Never tamper with emergency equipment or damage the bus.
  • Never throw objects.
  • Never eat, drink, litter or use alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
  • Never vandalize a school bus. This may result in restitution, loss of riding privileges, suspension from school and legal prosecution.

After leaving the bus, students should

  • Wait until instructed to exit the bus.
  • Walk away from the bus immediately after exiting.
  • Wait for the driver’s signal/arm motion before crossing in front of the bus.
  • Maintain 10 feet of separation from the bus.
  • Exit only at designated bus stops unless approved through school protocol.
  • Never walk behind the bus.
  • Never crawl under a bus. If an item is dropped, tell the driver. The driver will determine next steps.
  • Follow the directions of school staff regarding entering school.