Bus Behavior & Safety
Parents/Guardians are expected to:
• Check the Bus Status 4 app or blackgold.ca for delays or cancellations before sending your child to the bus stop
• Have a backup plan in case of delays or cancellations
• Ensure your child is at the stop 5 minutes early with their bus pass ready
• Dress your child appropriately for the weather
• Supervise your child to and from the bus stop
• Review bus behavior and safety expectations with your child.
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 transportation@blackgold.ca
❗ Reminder:
Drivers are not responsible for tracking individual schedules.
Parents must ensure children understand their plan.
Bus Expectations: Student Behavior
The bus is an extension of the classroom—school rules apply. Students are expected to:
🚍 Boarding & Riding
- 🎫 Scan your bus pass when boarding and exiting
- 🚫 Only ride your assigned bus; friends or visitors are not allowed
- 🪑 Remain seated while the bus is moving
- 🛑 Keep aisles and exits clear
🤝 Respect & Conduct
- 🗣️ Talk quietly to the person beside you
- ❌ No disrespectful, vulgar, or harassing behavior
- 🧹 Cooperate with the driver to keep the bus neat and clean
- 📵 No recording video, audio, or photos
⚠️ Safety & Belongings
- 🚫 Do not throw items or put body parts outside the windows
- 🪑 Take care of your assigned seat; any damage is your responsibility
- 🧥 Dress for the weather (especially winter)
- 🚭 No drugs, alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, or weapons
- 📦 No items larger than 13"x13"x23" [More info]
- 🥤 No eating or drinking (including water) [More info]
- 🎧 Electronic devices allowed with headphones only
Consequences for Misbehavior:
• Misbehavior or 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 if behavior does not improve, or immediately suspended for serious or unsafe behavior
Bus Safety
Morning pick-up:
•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
• Only cross in front of the bus
• Important! Stay out of the "Danger Zone"! Learn more here
• Never pick up items near or under the bus
Afternoon drop-off:
• If a student misses the bus after school, they must go to the office and call home
• Students should never walk home without parent permission
Large Item Restrictions
- All items must fit within 13"x13"x23" (33cm x 33cm x 59cm)
- Items must not block aisles, exits, or other students’ space
- Loose items are unsafe — even under a seat
Prohibited Items include, but are not limited to:
- Large musical instruments
- Sports bags and sticks (hockey, ringette, lacrosse)
- Skis, poles, snowboards, curling brooms
- Skateboards, sleighs, large science projects
- Baseball bats, unsecured balls (basketballs, soccer balls)
- Reminder: Balls must be secured in 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 to be consumed 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!
Danger Zone Awareness
Teach your child to avoid the “Danger Zone” — areas around the bus where the driver can’t see them:
- Never walk or cross 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
🎥 Watch the Danger Zone video for a full demonstration
Flashing Red Lights on School Buses = Stop. It’s the Law. It's a Life
⬅️ Watch the Video
🛑 Reds Flashing? No Passing.
When Red Lights Flash — STOP
- Stop in both directions
- Stay at least 20 m (4–5 car lengths) back
- Do not move until the lights stop and stop arm retracts
Only Exception
- You may continue only if there is a physical median separating the road
⚠️ What the Lights Mean
- Amber (Yellow): Slow down — the bus is preparing to stop
- Red: Stop immediately — children are boarding or crossing
🚸 Drive Like Lives Depend On It
- Be patient — seconds matter
- Watch for children
- Never pass a stopped bus with red lights flashing
⚖️ Penalties (Alberta)
- $567 fine + 6 demerit points
- Black Gold School buses have cameras recording violations
Alberta Traffic Fines
Traffic fines across Alberta increased as of March 13, 2026, with several penalties rising significantly.
Examples of updated penalties include:
• Seatbelt / child restraint violation: $162 → $211
• Distracted driving: $300 → $390
• Driving without a licence / wrong class: $324 → $421
• No vehicle registration: $324 → $421
• Speeding – 30 km/h over: $249 → $324
• Speeding – 40 km/h over: $373 → $560
• Speeding – 50 km/h over: $495 → $744
• Careless driving / racing / stunting: $567 → $852
With children getting on and off buses every day, we encourage all drivers to stay alert, slow down in school areas, and help keep students safe!
Surveillance & GPS Tracking
• All buses are equipped with audio/video interior and exterior cameras for student safety
• GPS systems monitor location, speed, and driver activity
• GPS allows for real-time response in emergencies, breakdowns, or lockdowns
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.