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The School Bus Stops Here

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 1, 2008

About half of Hillsborough County's 191,000 students ride buses to and from school.

New procedures are now in place for most of those students. Many will walk farther to bus stops and few will be taken to after-school programs or dropped at different stops in the morning and afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child qualifies for bus transportation?

Students living at least two miles from school qualify. So do those attending magnet schools. Students with disabilities also may qualify. Hazardous walking situations are another situation that may qualify a student for transportation.

Is transportation provided for schools of choice?
Bus transportation is provided for students who attend magnet schools. It may involve changing buses at one of the district's transfer ramps. Other choice schools may include transportation, but not for hardship choice assignments. Some charter schools provide their own transportation.

How do I find my bus stop?

When parents register a child at a new school, they get information on the assigned stops and routes. For returning students, routes and bus stop information is mailed to homes in August. It is also available at schools.

What if I move?

At the school you're leaving, make sure that your address is changed with the data processing clerk. Your new school will have the bus stop information.

What are the changes this year?

Bus stops will be determined by a student's address of record. The transportation department's reorganization that places bus stops farther apart and eliminates most courtesy rides for families was started in south Hillsborough County in 2007-08 and is expanding. This year, those rules will also apply to families in areas 1, 2 and 4, including West Tampa, northwest Hillsborough and the area around Chamberlain and Hillsborough high schools. These changes are scheduled to be implemented in areas 3, 6 and 7 in 2009-10.

Why is that being done?

The district is trying to reduce the number of late buses and make the transportation system more efficient.

What do I do if my child's bus is late?

Call (813) 982-5500 until at least 7 p.m. School security is available 24 hours a day at (813) 623-3996.

If I don't like my bus stop, may I request a change?

Only if you have a safety issue. In that case, call (813) 982-5500.

May my child be picked up and dropped off at different stops?

In most cases, no. There will be limited transportation to some parks and recreation centers after school if the center is within the same boundary as the school and the student is eligible for transportation based on his or her home address. Some families may qualify if they have court-ordered shared custody and both homes are within the same school boundary. Documentation is required. In a family emergency, a parent must call both the school and transportation to make arrangements.

Do buses have seat belts?

New buses purchased are equipped with lap restraints. As of August, 782 of the district's 1,380 buses will have the restraints.

Are buses air-conditioned?

New buses purchased are air-conditioned. As of August, 914 of the 1,380 buses will be air-conditioned.

How is discipline handled on the bus?

Bus drivers give warnings and write referrals that are given to school administrators. Serious or repeated offenses may lead to loss of bus privileges.

Marilyn Brown

TRANSPORTATION CALL CENTER: (813) 982-5500

•Late Buses

•Bus never arrived

•Personal items left on bus

•Complaints or compliments

•Route and bus stop information

•Family emergency requiring change in bus or stop (Must also call the school)

For information and safety tips, go to www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/transportation.

BUS RULES TO REMEMBER

•Students should be at bus stops at least five minutes before pickup.

•A parent or guardian must be present at the bus stop when a kindergartner is being dropped off or the bus will return the child to school.

•Students are not allowed to use electronic devices on the bus.

•Parents should make arrangements to be at the stop or share the task with other neighborhood adults before and after school.

•Parents should reinforce bus safety rules, including respect for the driver, staying seated and following the driver's instructions.

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