In accordance with Education Code § 39831.3(a)(4), the Transportation Department deploys the following departmental policy to ensure students are not left unattended on a school bus: After each run (at each school site in the morning and after the last stop for each school in the mid-day and the afternoon), all drivers physically walk to the rear of the bus and check each row of seats to ensure there are no students still on board. This includes looking under the bus seats. Upon returning to the Transportation facility, drivers once again physically walk to the rear of the bus and check each row of seats to ensure there are no students still on board. This includes looking under the bus seats. Drivers press the Child Check deactivation button, located at the rear of the bus by the back window.

Should the Director of Transportation or a designee believe conditions would endanger the passengers, the driver, or the equipment, transportation will cease until such condition improves.

Vehicle Code 34501.6 states: The governing board of a local educational agency that provides transportation of pupils shall adopt procedures that limit the operation of school buses when atmospheric conditions reduce visibility on the roadway to 200 feet or less during regular home-to-school transportation service. Operational policies for school activity trips shall give school bus drivers discretionary authority to discontinue school bus operation if the driver determines that it is unsafe to continue operation because of reduced visibility.

The Director of Transportation or a designee shall notify the schools by phone if the above conditions exist.

Speed: Section 22406 of the California Vehicle Code specifies a maximum speed of 55 miles per hour for any vehicle that transports school pupils. This and other regulations concerning speed restrictions must be adhered to. Maximum speed for bus drivers will be 55 miles per hour. Speed should be significantly reduced at curves, blind crossings, crests of hills, in fog, or whenever the view is otherwise obstructed so that a stop may be made within the distance of clear vision.

The Transportation Department provides bus transportation for its students in accordance with the provisions on the California Education Code. To provide this service with maximum safety, all students must understand that the bus driver is in complete charge and control of the bus. School bus drivers have a tremendous responsibility entrusted upon them, and it is important that they have your child’s cooperation as well as your cooperation in following the bus rules to ensure that their ride is a safe and enjoyable one.

California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 14263 governing pupil transportation states: "Pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of, and responsible directly to, the driver of the bus, and the driver shall be held responsible for the orderly con- duct of the pupils while they are on the bus or being escorted across a street, highway or road. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reason for a pupil to be denied transportation."

School bus rules of conduct are established first and foremost to ensure that all students have a safe ride to and from home. The school bus is an extension of the classroom, and appropriate behavior is expected at all times. For those who are unable to follow the established rules, a series of sanctions are applied that are appropriate to the offense. Remember, riding the school bus is a PRIVILEGE — NOT A RIGHT.

Here are answers to common questions families may have about transportation services:

For more FAQs, contact the Transportation Department at (951) 922-0278 or transportation@banning.k12.ca.us.

City of Banning Pass Bus/Transit Information

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Transportation FAQ & Safety Rules 2022-23