FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

The bus goes right down my street. Why can’t the bus stop at my house?

Bus stops are centrally located for all students.  In most cases we try to use intersections which are easy to locate and where motorists are more alert to pedestrians.  The District attempts to keep the number of stops minimized thus keeping the buses moving and reducing ride times.  Stopping at every driveway inconveniences the motoring public causing them to become impatient trying to get around the bus and compromising safety.

 

I can’t see the stop from my house.  Can’t the stop be closer?

Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to see the stop from their house.  We transport over 2,800 public school students each day.  It is not feasible to put all the stops in sight range.  Parents must use good judgment by either going to the stop with the child or working with other families in the area to support safety.

 

Who is responsible for student behavior at bus stops?

The District is responsible to determine safe stop locations.  Parents are responsible for their child's behavior at the stop.  If inappropriate behavior is reported to the bus driver, they will turn this information over to the school for investigation.

 

Who handles discipline on the bus?

The driver is the authority figure responsible for enforcing the safe transport rules. They can handle minor discipline problems by speaking to the students or reassigning seats. More serious issues are addressed at the school, typically by the principal. Misconduct forms may be submitted by the school bus drivers. These could result in a warning, reprimand, suspension or losing bus riding privilege.

 

Is it possible to transport my child to or from a daycare rather than my home stop?

This is possible; however, it is governed by several rules.  The daycare must be within the District. The daycare you are using should provide a list of students to our department.  Additionally, it is important that your child know where they are going each day if it is a part-time service.  Drivers cannot be responsible for knowing your child’s schedule.

  

My child is the only student at the stop.  Should I call when he/she is not riding?

This is helpful, especially in the morning if the bus is going out of the way.  Your call to our dispatcher or your driver saves mileage and time so that the bus route may run more efficiently.  Typically it is not necessary to call in the afternoon since the bus is at the school to pick up other students.

 

I do not plan to regularly use transportation but want my child kept on the list.  Is there a procedure I should follow?

This is a common issue with private/parochial students.  If your child is the only one at the stop and will be rarely riding, we ask that you notify our department or your driver to have your child listed as “will ride when calling”.  The bus will only come to your stop if you need service.  

  

 I want to send my child to a private school.  Where can I send them and have busing service?

The school you select must be a not-for-profit school located within ten miles from the closest district border by main thoroughfare.  Be aware that your child may experience a long ride depending upon how far and how many other students within the district are going to that school.

 

Why is my child’s private school combined with another school?

For operational efficiency, we sometimes combine schools or transfer students.  We combine schools to eliminate duplication of service.  Transfers occur by utilizing a centralized point to reduce ride times.

 

There is split custody for my child.  Can I get him/her assigned to two different buses?

Yes, but we can only list one primary stop.  Contact our department.  We will determine a secondary stop and notify the driver.  Both homes must be within the District.

 

If the bus does not arrive, how long should my child wait at the bus stop?

There is no set time limit.  Use good judgment based on weather conditions.

 

Why does my child’s bus arrive home at different times in the afternoon?

This occurs primarily on the elementary level. Most routes are made up of separate high school, middle school and elementary runs. Any problems that occur on the upper levels have a ripple effect on subsequent runs. The drivers strive to be consistent but sometimes this is not possible.

 

Why does my child ride a different bus in the morning than in the afternoon?

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to mirror routes. Time, distance and bell times have an effect on the most efficient pairings for transportation service.

 

What should I do if I want to add a school bus stop closer to my house?

Complete the “Transportation Request/Complaint Form” found on the Montour website. Log into www.montourschools.com; Departments; Transportation. The form is found on the left side of the screen. All requests for new stops must be made in writing.

 

How can I find out about school closings and delays?

The best way is to register through the Blackboard Portal on the Montour website. Log into www.montourschools.com; Resources; Parent Notifications and follow the instructions.

Additionally, you may check the Montour website or the local media outlets.