Expectations for Students & Motorists

Riding a school bus is a privilege. Students who violate pertinent rules may be subject to disciplinary action. Any condition that, if permitted to continue, could result in injury to a student is considered unsafe. Whenever the driver determines an unsafe condition exists, the bus must be stopped until the situation is remedied. The driver may seek assistance from the Transportation Division. Drivers also may request the removal of students responsible for the unsafe condition; they will be transported by separate bus to the school or to one of the terminals -– 2264 Liberty Road or 780 Miles Point Way.

You're on Camera

All FCPS school buses are equipped with digital video cameras. Recordings are in color and produce audio, which may be used to document events and responsibility for actions on the bus.

At the Bus Stop

Have everything secured in your backpack so you don't drop or lose anything.
Never use an electronic device or wear ear buds when walking to the bus stop or getting on or off the bus.
Arrive at the morning bus stop 10 minutes early. The bus driver is not allowed to wait for lagging students.
Wait in a safe place, 10 to 12 feet from the road and well clear of traffic.
Be courteous of nearby residents and conscious of the noise level as you chat with friends.
Bad behavior, such as fighting or property damage, will be handled by the school and possibly the police.
When the bus stops, walk to the door in an orderly fashion.
If you live across the road from the bus stop, wait on your side until the bus arrives and the driver signals for you to cross the street.
If you miss the bus, either call or walk home for help.
Never chase after the bus.
Never walk to another bus stop.
You may only use the stop nearest your house unless you have written permission from the principal and provide it to the bus driver.

Onboard the Bus

First-time bus riders must have boarding passes during the first two weeks of school. Passes are available at your school.
Follow the directions of the bus driver or monitor at all times.
Sit in the seat assigned by the bus driver.
Share seats as directed by the driver.
Keep parts of your body and all other items inside the bus.
Don't put anything in the aisle or where it would be in the way during an emergency.
Never use the rear emergency exit except when directed by the driver or other official.
Avoid creating any unsafe condition that could result in injury.
Keep food or drink enclosed in bags, backpacks, or containers.
Speak and behave respectfully toward everyone at all times.
Avoid bringing the following prohibited items onto the bus: tobacco, electronic cigarettes, or vapor products; weapons, explosives, or any dangerous articles; drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol; animals or any items that might frighten/distract other riders or the driver.

Tips for Parents & Guardians

Safety awareness around the bus stop increases with the addition of adult supervision.

When possible, accompany your children as they wait for the bus.
Stress the importance of looking both directions for vehicle traffic.

Whether they are on the way to the bus stop, walking to school, or getting dropped off near schools or bus stops -- if children are in the street, they are in danger. Not only are lots of cars in and around the school, but people are driving to work at the same time, increasing traffic congestion. Children often don't look and can dart out from between parked cars.

Reminder for Young Riders

Afternoon buses can be affected by weather or traffic conditions. Whoever is meeting a student's bus should be at the stop 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled arrival time.

Preschoolers can only be released to a person at least 16 years old with a picture ID. Also, they must be listed on the student's tag.

Kindergarteners can be released to a receiver with a picture ID or another student riding the same bus. In either case, the receiver must be listed on the kindergartener's tag.

KDE graphic showing when vehicles must stop for a school bus

Attention, Drivers!

Motorists should be aware that children might be crossing the road. When the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is out, is illegal to pass a school bus that is loading students.

Note: State law now requires drivers on highways with four or more lanes to stop for a bus in the opposite direction unless that road is divided by an elevated barrier or unpaved median. Stops are required on all lanes for four-lane highways that include a painted median, paved median, or center turn lane.

“This is an important change to help increase the safety of the almost 400,000 students who ride a bus to school each day," said Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher.

Drivers in both directions still need to stop on two-lane roads when a school bus is stopped to pick up or drop off students.

If a driver is caught running a stop arm, the penalty is a $300 for the first offense.

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