Transportation - Guidelines for Students

Student Eligibility

  • Students that reside in Murfreesboro City limits and live 1.5 miles from school or further are eligible for bus transportation to their assigned school.

    • Route Information

  • Bus routes are arranged to equalize, as nearly as possible, the length of routes and the size of bus loads and to meet all rules and regulations pertaining to safety, efficiency, and economy.
  • Children may not be put off a bus by the driver at any point other than their destination nor may they get off at any stop other than their designated stop without written consent from their parent or guardian.

    • Guidelines for Students*

    Every child should be a "defensive school bus rider." A "defensive school bus rider" is one who will do everything possible to prevent an accident by behaving and obeying all school bus safety rules.

    Leaving for School

  • Get up early enough to be on time.
  • Dress properly for the day.
  • Be at the bus stop at least 10 minutes early.
  • At the bus stop, do not run or play ball.
  • Do not play in or near the street.
  • Do not allow a dog to follow you to the bus stop.
  • In winter, never walk or play on snow banks because you could fall under the wheels of an automobile or bus.
  • When the bus approaches, get in line away from the street.
  • Wait until the bus stops and the door is open before stepping near the bus.
  • Use the hand rail to get on the bus.Take a seat quickly if seats are available.
  • Never chase a bus after it has pulled away from the bus stop.

    • On the Bus

  • Obey your bus driver.
  • Always sit if seats are available - do not move around.
  • Face the front.
  • Talk only above a whisper.
  • Do not throw things on the bus.
  • Do not fight or play with others.
  • Never put any part of your body outside the bus window.
  • Do not eat on the bus.
  • At railroad tracks, be absolutely silent.
  • Do not bring anything live on the bus for any reason - guinea pigs, mice, or bugs. Items for science projects should be transported to and from school by parents.
  • Do not bring large band instruments that are too big to sit in your lap on the bus.
  • In case of an emergency, stay calm and in your place until your driver gives you instructions.
  • Report any damage you observe to the bus to your driver.
  • Help keep your bus clean, sanitary, and orderly.

    • Arriving at Your Destination

  • Do not get up until the bus has stopped.
  • Use the hand rail.
  • Move immediately away from the bus.
  • If you drop something, do not pick it up. Wait until the bus leaves and ask an older person for help.

    • If you have to cross the street:

  • Go in front of the bus about 12 giant steps so you can see the driver's face. If you can see the driver's eyes, the driver can see you.
  • Proceed to the left side of the bus and stop to look for cars.
  • Do not cross the street until the cars have stopped.

    • If you do not have to cross the street, stay away from the side of the bus.
    Always remember - if you can touch the side of the bus, then you are too close.

    Parent Responsibilities*

  • Assure that your child arrives at the bus stop 10 minutes before it is due to arrive.
  • You or another parent should be at the bus stop every morning, looking out your window is not sufficient.
  • Please stress discipline and safety at home! Children must learn to follow guidelines because their lives could depend on their ability to do so!
  • Accept joint responsibility with school authorities for proper conduct of your child.

    • *Primary Source:
    National School Bus Report June 1982

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