In the Pittsburgh Public Schools, the safety of our students is a top priority. School buses and public transportation remain the safest mode of transportation for students to and from school. Whether your child rides a yellow bus or takes Port Authority transportation, it is important to us that it is a safe ride to and from school for everyone. To help parents and families, please follow important safety tips.

Catching the Bus	Riding the Bus	Exiting the Bus
Avoid running to catch the bus by getting to your bus stop 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. When waiting for the bus, stay away from the street and avoid running, playing or other behavior that can lead to accidents. When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.	Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it’s okay before stepping onto the bus. If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to where you can look the driver in the eyes before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver. Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing and book bags don’t get caught in the handrails or doors.	After you get off the bus, walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus. Never walk behind the bus! If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you. While on the bus, students should stay seated, talk quietly, be courteous to the driver and fellow riders, and follow the driver’s instructions at all times.

Bus Safety Tips
 

Waiting for the Bus in a Single Line

• Always wait for the bus in a single line.
• When getting on the bus stay away from the danger zone, make eye contact with the bus driver, and wait for the driver’s signal. Board the bus one at a time.
• Don’t push or shove to get on or off the bus.
   

At the Bus Stop

• Arrive at the assigned stop ten (10) minutes before bus pickup.
• Stand on the sidewalk or the edge of the street by the curb.
• Stay off private property.
• Do not stand on the traveled part of the road.
• Be respectful and watchful of traffic.
• Wait in a quiet and orderly manner.
   

On the Bus

• Obey the bus driver and exhibit orderly conduct.
• Be courteous and respectful of people and property.
• Remain seated at all times.
• Keep head, hands and feet inside the bus.
• Keep the bus clean.
• Use of profane language, eating, drinking, smoking, throwing objects, unsafe objects or weapons and vandalism may result in disciplinary action. Criminal conduct may be referred to law enforcement.
   

Leaving the Bus

• Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.
• Leave the bus in an orderly manner.
• Leave at your assigned bus stop.
• Cross in front of the bus.
• Leave the bus stop in an orderly manner.

 

 Tips for Parents and Students
 

• When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic. Line up at least five giant steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the bus.
• Never run after the school bus if it has already left the bus stop.
• Never push when getting on or off of the school bus.
• Always walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing so that the school bus driver can see you.
• Be aware — cross with care! Wait until the school bus has stopped all traffic before stepping out onto the road. 
• Never put your head, arms or hands out of the window.
• Talk quietly; do not distract your school bus driver.
• Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger.
• Never play with the emergency exits. Backpacks, band instruments, or sports equipment may not block the aisle or emergency exits. If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.
• When getting off of the school bus, make sure that all drawstrings and other loose objects are secure so that they don’t get caught on the handrail or the door. 
• Never cross the street behind the school bus.
• If you leave something on the bus or drop something outside of the bus, never go back for it. The driver may not see you and begin moving the bus.