Bus Safety & Inclement Weather Policies

Responsibilities of Parents & Students

Parents Should:
• Check the Bus Status 4 app or blackgold.ca for delays or cancellations
• Have a backup plan in case of delays or cancellations
• Ensure your child is at the stop 5 minutes early with their bus pass ready
• Dress your child appropriately for the weather
• Supervise your child to and from the bus stop
• Remind your child to follow bus safety rules
• Be aware: Parents are responsible for any damage caused by their child

🚨 Inclement weather bus cancellations are determined by Black Gold based on local weather conditions. Always check the website and Bus Status 4 app before sending your child to the bus stop.

Students Should:
• Be at the stop 5 minutes early
• Wait in the designated safety zone
• Board only after the driver signals
• Scan your bus pass when boarding and exiting
• Stay seated, face forward, and listen to the driver
• Keep all belongings inside the bus — no hanging out windows

Never bring on the bus:
• Smoking or vaping products
• Alcohol, drugs, or weapons

Late or Missed Bus

Morning Pickup:
• Be at the stop 5 minutes early
• Wait up to 5 minutes past the scheduled time before assuming a delay
• Check the Bus Status 4 app for updates
• Parents are responsible for getting children to the bus in the morning

Afternoon Drop-off:
• If your child misses the bus at school, they must go to the office and call home
• Students should not walk home without parent permission

❄ Inclement Weather

• Buses are cancelled at -40°C (with or without wind chill) in affected areas
• Cancellations are made to protect students from exposure or bus breakdown risks
• Black Gold uses The Weather Channel to monitor local temperatures across the Division

Inclement Weather Cancellations are posted by 6:30 AM on:
• Bus Status 4 app
• blackgold.ca
• Individual school websites

Schools remain open unless there’s a facility emergency (e.g., a water main break)

Parents must:
• Monitor weather conditions
• Have alternate transportation plans
• Ensure children are dressed for cold weather
• Be at the stop with their child during extreme cold, regardless of age

Bus Breakdowns

If a bus breaks down:
• The driver stays with the students
• A backup bus or safe alternative will be arranged
• Parents are notified through the Bus Status 4 app as soon as we are made aware
• Children should always be dressed for the weather in case of delays

Changes to Your Child’s Routine

If your child’s regular busing routine changes (e.g., different pickup or drop-off location):
• Notify the driver at least one day in advance as a courtesy
• Don’t have the driver’s contact info? Email [email protected]

❗ Reminder:
Drivers are not responsible for tracking individual schedules.
Parents must ensure children understand their plan.

Bus Evacuations

• 2 mandatory evacuation drills each year — Fall & Spring
• Kindergarten and Grade 1 students receive in-bus safety training through Safely on Board

Danger Zone Awareness

Teach your child to avoid the “Danger Zone” — the areas around the bus where the driver can’t see them:
• Never walk in front of or behind the bus
• Don’t reach under the bus — tell the driver if something is dropped
• Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the street

Most bus-related injuries happen outside the bus — not on it!

What Can Be Brought on the Bus

Under Alberta’s School Bus Operation Regulation (AR 437/86), there are strict rules about what can and cannot be carried on a school bus. These rules exist for student safety, not convenience.

Size Restrictions

• All items — even those held on a student’s lap — must not exceed 13" x 13" x 23" (33cm x 33cm x 59cm).
• Items must not block the aisle, emergency exits, or take up another student’s space.

Why “under the seat” is not enough

Even if an item fits under a seat, there is no way to secure it on school buses. In the event of a sudden stop or collision, loose items can slide or fly forward, hitting students or blocking the aisle during an evacuation.
Because of this, only small items are safe to bring on board.

Prohibited Items Include

• Musical instruments larger than the allowed size.
• Hockey, ringette, or lacrosse bags and sticks.
• Skis, poles, snowboards, curling brooms.
• Skateboards, sleighs, large science projects.
• Baseball bats, and unsecured balls (e.g., basketballs, soccer balls).
• Any item that exceeds the size limit or poses a safety risk.

🎒 Reminder: Basketballs and soccer balls must be secured inside a backpack.

Legal Requirements

• According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation (AR 121/2009) under the Traffic Safety Act, buses must not transport items that could endanger passengers.
• The School Bus Operation Regulation (AR 437/86) requires drivers to enforce these safety rules at all times.

No Eating or Drinking on the Bus

To reduce the risk of choking and to keep buses safe and clean, no food or drinks of any kind, including water, are allowed on school buses. This applies to daily routes and field trips.

Why is this rule important

• Choking risk: A choking child may make no noise, and the driver may not notice until it’s too late.
• Cleanliness and safety: Spills (even water) can create slippery floors and safety hazards.
• Safety certification: This rule is supported by First Aid training and Alberta’s S-Endorsement program (school bus safety certification).

Enforcement

Drivers are required to enforce this policy for the safety of all students.

FAQ

💧 What about water?
Students are encouraged to drink water before and after their bus ride. For safety reasons, no open containers are allowed on board.

Thank you for understanding and helping us keep students safe!

No Guest Riders Allowed

Only students assigned to a bus may ride that bus.
Guest riders are not permitted — even for playdates, after-school activities, or visits.

Why this rule exists

• Unregistered riders are not in our system.
• They create safety and supervision risks.
• In an emergency, we would have no record of them.
• It disrupts seating plans and evacuation procedures.

This rule is in place to protect every student’s safety, including your child’s.

If your child wants to bring a friend home after school, parents are responsible for arranging alternate transportation.

Thank you for helping us keep buses safe!

Surveillance & GPS Tracking

• All buses are equipped with audio/video cameras for student safety
• GPS systems monitor location, speed, and driver activity
• GPS allows for real-time response in emergencies, breakdowns, or lockdowns

🛑 Fly-by Violations (Passing a Stopped Bus With Red Lights Flashing)

Exterior bus cameras help identify vehicles that illegally pass a school bus when red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.

🚫 In Alberta:
Passing a stopped school bus results in a $567 fine and 6 demerit points

If you witness a violation:
• Record the licence plate and vehicle description
• Report it to [email protected] and local law enforcement

Bus Inspections

• All school buses undergo semi-annual inspections by certified inspectors
• Random spot inspections may also occur at schools throughout the year
• These inspections are required by Alberta Transportation

Have questions? Start with our FAQs — it’s the quickest way to find answers!
🕒 Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM; 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri

🕒 Summer Hours from July 7 to August 15: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 12:45 PM – 4:30 PM, closed on Fridays.

Need further assistance or have an urgent concern? Visit our Contact Us! page for the best way to reach the Transportation team.