Toronto District School Board
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School Bus Safety

It is important that your child is aware of how to ride the bus. Please be sure to go over these tips for bus safety with them.

For our youngest riders, the TDSB offers the Purple=Parent program. Placing a purple band on your child’s backpack assists the driver in identifying students that are not to be left at a drop-off stop without being met by a designated parent or caregiver. Parents may opt out of this program.

Getting on the bus safely

  • Be at the bus stop on time
  • Never run to or from the bus
  • Wait at the designated stop in a safe place well back from the side of the road
  • Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop
  • Hold the handrail as you get on the bus

Riding the bus safely

  • Take your seat promptly and sit facing forward at all times
  • Hold bags in your lap
  • Do not stick your feet in the aisle
  • Keep your head and arms inside the bus
  • Don’t throw anything out of the window or around the bus
  • Don’t fight, shout or play inside the bus
  • Don’t eat or drink while riding the bus
  • Always follow the driver’s instructions

Leaving the bus safely

  • Do not push
  • Hold the handrail and take two large steps away from the bus
  • To cross the street in front of the bus, walk ahead at least 10 giant steps and cross only when the driver signals
  • Be familiar with the rules for emergencies