Managing bus safety around schools
Transport for NSW advice and support
- Bus safety responsibilities
- Private bus and coach operators in NSW.
- - Where there is no public transport available, this subsidy helps to offset the cost of driving students to school or to the nearest transport pick-up point, by car, motorcycle or boat.
webpages
- - Learn how to plan your school trip and travel safely on public transport in NSW
- - children and youth concession entitlements
- when travelling by public transport
- guidelines for managing school student behaviour on buses
Informal school bus stops are not sign-posted and usually found in rural areas. They may be at the front of a property, or on the side of the road. Drivers may find it difficult to see children at informal school bus stops.
- - where schools can endorse travel applications, updates school detils and checks for subsidy holders
- School bus FAQs for parents, carers and students about bus travel and eligility -translations available. Schools could copy the relevant text for school websites
- Downloadable guides
- School bus toolkit
Department of vlog bus safety advice and support
Activity suggestions for schools
Early Stage 1
- Students sing and learn The bus song. (log in to required)
- Discuss why it is important to hold a grown-up’s hand when crossing the road after getting off the bus.
Stage 1
- Watch the video. log in to required)
- Discuss strategies that would make the scenario safer.
Stage 2
- Stage 2- Safety Town's activity supports teachers reinforcing Wait until the bus has gone before you cross the road.
Stage 3
Safety Town's activities:
- supports teachers to remind students of safety considerations when travelling by bus.
- Students could watch the video and list the dangers of unsafe behaviours identified by the character Jason.
Stage 4
- Bus safety your ride your responsibility - another teaching and learning activity to assist schools address concerns for student safety while travelling to and from school on the bus.
Stage 5
- Students create a campaign for social media that will help encourage young people to be safe around buses.
Use information from the or use the videos to help form the campaign.Stage 2- Safety Town's activity supports teachers reinforcing Wait until the bus has gone before you cross the road.
Transport for NSW developed providing teachers and families information for to help promote bus safety.
Schools can reinforce safe bus travel behaviours by sharing clear, consistent messages with students, parents and carers. A range of ready-to-use resources are available to support schools to communicate these messages in ways that suit their local context and student needs.
Use the examples below to locate safe bus travel messages and adapt them for your school community.
Available resources
🚌 Road safety information for parents and carers flyer
Share key safe bus travel messages with parents and carers through a ready-made flyer that can be distributed digitally or in print.
🌐 School website travel to school information
Add or update your Travel to school webpage with safe bus travel information tailored to your school’s local arrangements.
📣 Social media and newsletter content
Use prepared posts and article templates to promote safe bus travel messages through school newsletters and social media channels.
Assisted School Travel Program (ASTP)
Students with a disability who are unable to travel to and from school under the School Student Transport Scheme may be eligible for assistance under the Department of vlog's
Parents can assess their child's eligibility and schools can support students in safe travel to and from school.
Some schools own or manage a bus to transport children to and from school or school events. If so, the principal must ensure the bus:
- is used in accordance with the legislation covering all vehicles licensed to carry 10 or more persons, including the driver. Refer to Duty of care and behaviour management - Questions about child restraints (Staff only)
All school-owned buses must comply with department's heavy vehicle and bus inspections Chain of Responsibility
Using public transport for school excursions
Department of vlog's Duty of care and behaviour management - Questions about child restraints in motor vehicles - child restraints, booster seats and seat belts(Staff only)
Transport for NSW provides
More information about Excursions and road safety for travel.