Q. In the urban area, where will the bus pick up my child?
A. Transportation is not a door-to-door service but stops are set and students are required to be at the stop 4 to 5 minutes ahead of the stop time. Many in town students walk three to five blocks to get to their stop.
Q. Will the bus wait for my child if we are running behind?
A. Bus drivers cannot wait for students at their stop as they have to be at the transfer points and schools on time. If each child is 1 minute late at their stop and there are 20 stops on the route, the bus will be 20 minutes late. Students who run after a bus because they are late could slip and fall under a moving bus. If students are not at the stop, the driver will assume the student is not attending school that day or the parent is taking the student to school.
Q. How will the driver know if my child will not or will not be riding the bus in the afternoon?
A. As the driver will not know if the student has been picked up by parents due to appointments or other reasons, they will not be aware of who is riding home until the students get on the bus. Therefore, students are responsible to get to their bus after school.
Q. What can I instruct my child to do if they miss their bus?
A. In the morning, it is a parent responsibility to ensure their child gets on the bus. In the case of an older student (12 and up) please ensure they have a house key or other arrangements have been made in case they need to return home. After school, no child should be instructed to walk home. If they miss the bus, they are to return to the school office to call a parent or guardian for assistance.
Q. What happens if the bus breaks down?
A. BGRD contracts all bussing services to professional contractors who have careful maintenance for their buses however, there may be an occassion when a bus breaks down. All contractors help eachother out in this event and will get your child to school and back home again. Drivers are to remain with the students at all times until another bus or other safe alternative has been arranged. Please make sure your child is dressed apporpriately anytime they are on the bus.
Q. Why can't my child eat on the bus?
A. Students are not allowed to eat or drink on the bus because the driver may not be able to hear a child who is choking.
Q. When is a bus cancelled due to the weather?
A. Please see the website page on Inclement Weather Procedures for a complete explanation.
Q. Why can't my child take his band instrument on the bus?
A. Please see the website page titled Large Items on Buses for complete explanation.