1. Why do large school buses not have three-point restraint systems (seat belts)?
Many parents are worried about the contradiction between the need to use seat belts and child passenger seats in automobiles and the lack of these safety devices in school buses, which don't require seat belts. The main reason is that school buses incorporate a passive restraint system called compartmentalization, which is designed to protect children without seat belts. Another reason seat belts are not required on school buses is that the greater weight and mass of a school bus means that passengers are less vulnerable in a school bus than in an automobile, and they sit above the usual point of impact. Additionally, school bus passengers are not seated near doors or large window openings, so they are not likely to be thrown from the vehicle. Protection from ejection is a primary function of automobile seat belts.
2. How does HCS determine a bus stop location?
Bus routes are created to enhance student safety while maximizing vehicle efficiency. Fewer bus stops helps with bus maintenance, fuel cost etc. Bus routes are designed to keep the ride time to a minimum for as many students as possible. HCS attempts to establish bus stops at central locations to gather as many students as possible to that location. School bus stops are situated so as to allow students to wait off the main roadway for the bus if at all possible. Stop locations are determined by analyzing all or some of the following: population density within a given neighborhood, traffic patterns, and bus stopping safety considerations. Stops are spread as far apart as policy will allow in order to decrease the number of stops each bus will make on its route, thus minimizing riding time for the students. HCS endeavors to make bus stops that are at least 2/10 a mile apart which is the distance needed to courteously notify the motoring public of our intention to stop and load/unload children unless there is a danger such as blind hill, blind curve, or main thoroughfare. Stops are not placed in dead end streets whenever possible to minimize bus accidents while backing (Backing is a very dangerous maneuver for a school bus).
3. Who is eligible for bus service?
Students are eligible if their registration address is more than 2 miles from assigned school as determined by the school district.
4. Why do we have a 2 mile rule?
School systems do not receive funding to transport students that live within 2 miles of a school.
5. Where can I check my address for transportation eligibility?
Contact 205-439-1120 or visit this page.
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