Bus Rules

Responsibilities of Parents

Parents/Guardians are required to:
• Check the Bus Status 4 app or blackgold.ca for delays or cancellations
• Have a backup plan in case of delays or cancellations
• Ensure your child is at the stop 5 minutes before their scheduled pick-up time with their bus pass ready
• Dress your child appropriately for the weather
• Supervise your child to and from the bus stop
• Review with and remind your child to follow the Bus Rules & Regulations listed below

(Printable Bus Rules & Regulations)

Bus Rules & Regulations

• The school bus is an extension of the classroom; all school rules apply while riding.
• Students may need to walk up to 0.4 km to the bus stop.
• Arrive at your stop at least five minutes before the bus; buses cannot wait.
• Stay off the roadway while waiting. Cross at least three meters in front of the bus. Never pick up items near or under the bus.
• Scan your bus pass when boarding and when exiting.
• Only ride your assigned bus; friends or visitors are not allowed.
• Remain seated in your assigned seat while the bus is moving.
• Keep the bus aisle and exits clear.
• Do not throw items or put body parts outside the bus windows.
• Talk quietly to the person beside you.
• Be responsible for your personal belongings.
• Take care of your assigned seat; any damage is the responsibility of the student.
• Cooperate with the driver to keep the bus neat and clean.
• Dress appropriately for cold weather during winter.
• Disrespectful, vulgar, abusive, or harassing behavior is not allowed.
• Recording video, audio, or taking photos is prohibited.
• Electronic devices with headphones may be used if the sound is audible only to the student.
• Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, or other smoking materials are strictly prohibited.
• Weapons or items considered weapons are not allowed.
• Large items are not allowed on the bus. Please see Large Item Restrictions below.
• Eating or drinking (including water) is not allowed on the bus.

Consequences for Misbehavior:
• Student misbehavior or willful damage will be reported to Transportation Services and school administration.
• Misconduct forms may also be submitted if the bus operator requires support.
• Bus service may be suspended by school administration if behavior does not improve.

Large Item Restrictions

Under Alberta’s School Bus Operation Regulation (AR 437/86), there are strict rules about what can and cannot be carried on a school bus. These rules exist for student safety, not convenience.

Size restrictions

• All items — even those held on a student’s lap — must not exceed 13" x 13" x 23" (33cm x 33cm x 59cm).
• Items must not block the aisle, emergency exits, or take up another student’s space.

Why “under the seat” is not enough

Even if an item fits under a seat, there is no way to secure it on school buses. In the event of a sudden stop or collision, loose items can slide or fly forward, hitting students or blocking the aisle during an evacuation.
Because of this, only small items are safe to bring on board.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to

• Musical instruments larger than the allowed size of 13'x13"x23" (33cm x 33cm x 59cm).
• Hockey, ringette, or lacrosse bags and sticks.
• Skis, poles, snowboards, curling brooms.
• Skateboards, sleighs, large science projects.
• Baseball bats, and unsecured balls (e.g., basketballs, soccer balls).
• Any item that exceeds the size limit or poses a safety risk.

🎒 Reminder: Basketballs and soccer balls must be secured inside a backpack.

Legal requirements

• According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation (AR 121/2009) under the Traffic Safety Act, buses must not transport items that could endanger passengers.
• The School Bus Operation Regulation (AR 437/86) requires drivers to enforce these safety rules at all times.

No Eating or Drinking on the Bus

To reduce the risk of choking and to keep buses safe and clean, no food or drinks of any kind, including water, are allowed on school buses. This applies to daily routes and field trips.

Why is this rule important

• Choking risk: A choking child may make no noise, and the driver may not notice until it’s too late.
• Cleanliness and safety: Spills (even water) can create slippery floors and safety hazards.
• Safety certification: This rule is supported by First Aid training and Alberta’s S-Endorsement program (school bus safety certification).

Enforcement

Drivers are required to enforce this policy for the safety of all students.

FAQ

💧 What about water?
Students are encouraged to drink water before and after their bus ride. For safety reasons, no open containers are allowed on board.

Thank you for understanding and helping us keep students safe!

No Guest Riders Allowed

Only students assigned to a bus may ride that bus.
Guest riders are not permitted — even for playdates, after-school activities, or visits.

Why this rule exists

• Unregistered riders are not in our system.
• They create safety and supervision risks.
• In an emergency, we would have no record of them.
• It disrupts seating plans and evacuation procedures.

This rule is in place to protect every student’s safety, including your child’s.

If your child wants to bring a friend home after school, parents are responsible for arranging alternate transportation.

Late or Missed Bus

Morning pick-up:
• Students are required to be at the stop 5 minutes prior to scheduled pick-up time
• Wait up to 5 minutes past the scheduled pick-up time before assuming a delay
• Check the Bus Status 4 app for updates
• Parents are responsible for getting children to the bus in the morning

Afternoon drop-off:
• If your child misses the bus at school, they must go to the office and call home
• Students should not walk home without parent permission

Changes to Your Child’s Routine

If your child’s regular busing routine changes (e.g., different pickup or drop-off location):
• Notify the driver at least one day in advance as a courtesy
• Don’t have the driver’s contact info? Email [email protected]

❗ Reminder:
Drivers are not responsible for tracking individual schedules.
Parents must ensure children understand their plan.

Bus Evacuations

• 2 mandatory evacuation drills each year — Fall & Spring
• Kindergarten and Grade 1 students receive in-bus safety training through Safely on Board

Danger Zone Awareness

Teach your child to avoid the “Danger Zone” — the areas around the bus where the driver can’t see them:
• Never walk in front of or behind the bus
• Don’t reach under the bus — tell the driver if something is dropped
• Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the street

Most bus-related injuries happen outside the bus — not on it!

Surveillance & GPS Tracking

• All buses are equipped with audio/video cameras for student safety
• GPS systems monitor location, speed, and driver activity
• GPS allows for real-time response in emergencies, breakdowns, or lockdowns

🛑 Fly-by Violations (Passing a Stopped Bus With Red Lights Flashing)

Exterior bus cameras help identify vehicles that illegally pass a school bus when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.

🚫 In Alberta:
Passing a stopped school bus results in a $567 fine and 6 demerit points

If you witness a violation:
• Record the licence plate and vehicle description
• Report it to [email protected] and local law enforcement

Bus Inspections

• All school buses undergo semi-annual inspections by certified inspectors
• Random spot inspections may also occur at schools throughout the year
• These inspections are required by Alberta Transportation

Have questions? Start with our FAQs — it’s the quickest way to find answers!
🕒 Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri

🕒 Summer Hours from July 7 to August 15: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 12:45 PM – 4:30 PM, closed on Fridays.

Need further assistance or have an urgent concern? Visit our Contact Us! page for the best way to reach the Transportation team.