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How can students safely catch the school bus?
All school bus services are “Hail to Ride / Request to Stop.” This means:
- Students must signal (hail) the bus driver to stop.
- Students must verbally ask the driver to stop, giving adequate notice, when they are ready to get off the bus
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What if there aren’t any designated bus stops in our area?
Most services operate in semi-rural areas with limited purpose-built bus stops. You should:
- Choose a location that is both safe to wait and safe/legal for the bus to stop.
- If unsure, ask the bus driver or call our office for guidance.
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How early should students arrive at the pickup location?
Be at the pickup location at least 5 minutes before the scheduled bus arrival to avoid being late or rushing.
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How should students signal the bus to stop?
Be clearly visible to the driver and signal the bus as it approaches, giving the driver enough time to stop safely.
- Do not wait inside a car, even in bad weather, as this may prevent the driver from seeing you.
- Ensure you are not hidden by trees or other vehicles.
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What should students do when the bus arrives?
Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the doors have opened before approaching. Stay back from the kerb and keep clear of the doors, as they may open unexpectedly.
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What do students need to bring when travelling on the bus?
- Always have your bus pass ready when travelling.
- If you’ve forgotten your bus pass, tell the driver your name when boarding. The driver will never refuse travel in such cases.
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What are the seating and safety rules on the bus?
- Quickly find a seat and store any bags underneath, keeping the aisle clear.
- Always listen to the driver and follow their instructions, as they are responsible for everyone’s safety.
- Respect the driver and other bus users by following the Code of Conduct.
- No food or drink is allowed on the bus.
- Stay seated and wear a seatbelt where fitted.
- Use handrails or handgrips if required to stand.
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How can students help reduce the number of bus stops?
Organise with siblings and neighbourhood friends to wait in groups, which can help minimise the number of stops the bus must make.
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Will the same driver be on the bus every day?
No, most services do not have a dedicated driver, so you may see a different driver from time to time.
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What should students do during afternoon drop-offs?
- In a loud, clear voice, tell the driver when your stop is approaching.
- Give the driver plenty of time to stop safely.
- Once off the bus, stand back and wait for the bus to drive away before crossing the road.
- Students at the rear of the bus should make their way forward to empty seats when the bus has stopped so they driver can hear their request to stop.
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Is it safe to cross the road after getting off the bus?
Never cross the road in front of or behind a parked bus. We strongly recommend parents and carers wait on the same side of the road as the bus stop to avoid children running across the road.
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Can I track the bus service
Yes, the free TransportME Passenger App allows passengers, parents and carers to track our school services in real time to within 10 seconds of its location.
To learn more about the TransportME Passenger app click here: Passenger App – TME.
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Will the bus look the same each day?
No, the bus may look different or be a different size. Please always look for your school bus number in the windscreen or the electronic destination sign.
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Find a school bus service from your area to school.
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You may be eligible for subsidised or partial subsidised travel through to school.
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Our services are cashless; choose pay-as-you-go or annual pass options.
