County Publishes School Bus Schedules

In preparation for more than 76,600 local students going back to school next week, Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) announced that school buses are ready to hit the roads and published bus schedules online.

The school system released information Monday that about 670 buses will transport 57,500 students along more than 2,000 routes.

The bus routes will appear on the AACPS website only until Sept. 16 and are posted at local schools. Use the following links to find bus schedules:

• Elementary schools
• Middle schools
• High schools
• Other schools

AACPS rules state that students may not eat or drink on buses, should not use cell phones (must be off and out of sight) and may be assigned seats. Additional behavior expectations for bus riders can be found in the AACPS student handbook.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approaching or leaving the bus poses the biggest safety risk to students. The AACPS student handbook states that parents are responsible for students before and after they ride the school bus.

Bus Stop Safety Tips to Discuss with Students

The NHTSA offers these school bus safety tips for parents to discuss and enforce with children at the bus stop:

• Arrive early to the bus stop (AACPS recommends getting to the stop 10 minutes before bus is scheduled to arrive).
• When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens and the driver says that it's OK before stepping onto the bus.
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
• Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings, and backpacks with straps don't get caught in the handrails or doors.
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver—never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.
• Never walk behind the bus.