Tacoma — A new school year is here, and thousands of children are back to riding the school or city bus, walking or riding their bicycles to and from school.
For some children, this may very well be their first time that they are commuting on their own, so it is important to teach them all of the things they can do to remain safe as they head home.
Students who are eligible to ride the bus to school are required to follow the district’s bus safety rules in order to keep themselves and others safe. Failure to follow the rules could result in losing the ability to ride the bus.
The do’s and don’ts of riding the school bus:
Bus do’s
- In the morning, be at your stop between 5 to ten minutes before the scheduled pick-up time
- Buses will not wait for students who are not present
- When waiting at a bus stop, wait in a line that starts back from the curb
- In the afternoon, walk quickly to your bus, as buses depart five to seven minutes after the bell
- If students miss the bus, the parent/guardian will need to pick them up from school
- When crossing the street, cross only in front of the stopped bus when the STOP paddle is out and red lights are flashing
- If crossing the street at an intersection, cross with the green light and WALK signal
- Get on or off the bus only when it is completely stopped
- Only leave the bus at your assigned stop
- Have student identification ready to show the driver when boarding the bus or at any time the driver asks for identification
Bus don’ts
- Do not stand when the bus is moving
- Do not place any part of your body outside the bus windows
- Do not bring anything onto the bus that is heavy, sharp or bulky, or that could affect the safety of other bus riders. This includes skateboards, sticks, unicycles, skis or vaulting poles, breakable containers, straps or pins sticking out from clothing, or anything flammable.
- Weapons, including knives and guns, are strictly prohibited
- Do not eat or drink on the bus
- Do not bring matches or tobacco on the bus
- Do not open windows, unless you have permission from the bus driver
- Do not take photos or videos of students or the driver without their permission
A full list of what students should and should not do as well as discipline procedures for misbehavior on the bus can be found on the Tacoma Public School website.
Walking & biking
Parents are encouraged to do a practice walk with their children on a nonschool day.
Students who choose to walk should follow these safety guidelines:
- Stop at the edge of the street or the curb
- Look left, right, left and behind you
- Make eye contact with drivers
- Cross at corners or at marked sidewalks
Students who choose to ride their bike should follow these safety guidelines:
- Follow all traffic laws. Cyclists are permitted to ride on sidewalks in Tacoma, but parents should discuss with their children about whether or not they should ride on the sidewalk or in the street.
- Be aware of traffic and ride in a single file line in the direction of traffic
- Ride on the right side of the road
- Use lights when riding at night
- Wear your helmet
- Use proper hand signals to signify a right or left turn as well as slowing down and stopping
Public transportation
C-Tran offers free rides to everyone who is 18 years old or younger. Students can also show bus drivers their current school ID when boarding the bus. Youth are able to ride the bus even if they do not have a school ID or a Youth ORCA card.
Do’s of riding on C-Tran
- Wear reflective gear or bright colored clothing or accessories, so that you are more visible if its dark out
- Use your cellphone’s light or a another flashlight to ensure the driver can see you
- Use headphones and speak quietly when using a cellphone
- Be civil and respectful of others
- Make room for others when the bus is crowded
- Respect transit property
- Make sure any food or beverages are in spill-proof containers
Don’ts of riding on C-Tran
- Bring unlawful firearms or other weapons
- Disturb, harass, or bother others with loud, raucous, harmful, aggressive, violent, obscene or sexually harassing behavior, profanity, or offensive odors.
- Bring any of the following items: gas-powered equipment; gasoline; flammable liquids; fireworks; explosives; or corrosives.
