EOT-P0 - Transport of Carry-On Items on School Buses

Necessary precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of passengers when items are carried on the bus.  The following guidelines shall apply:

1. Only small items, items of a limited size, or items which can be appropriately stored on the bus may be transported.  Schools and students should make alternate arrangements for the transport of larger items such as musical instruments, science projects or show and tell, including animals.

2. The transport of items should be limited to those items which can be easily carried on the lap or stored under the seat occupied by the student.  Skates and other items with sharp protrusions may be transported only when they are enclosed in a proper container such as a skate bag.

3. Hockey sticks, curling brooms, ringette sticks, etc. should be stored on the floor under the front seats according to the instructions of the Driver.  Students bringing these items on the bus shall be the last students to leave the bus.

4. Musical instruments shall be limited to such items as piccolos, oboes, flutes, triangles, maracas, small digital or audio-visual recorders, musical folders, recorders, drum practice pads, and small music accessories.

5. The central aisle of the bus must be kept clear of people, articles, and debris at all times.

6. The rear emergency door may be used only in emergency situations, and will not be used for the loading or unloading of items.

7. Any problems encountered by the Drivers regarding the implementation and/or enforcement of this policy will be brought to the attention of the Transportation Supervisor for resolution. [M.R. 465/88 - 4(k)]