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Current School
Bus Route Information and School Closures
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SECTION
E: OPERATIONS (PROPERTY AND TRANSPORTATION) |
File EPB
SCHOOL BUS IDLING PROCEDURES
The School Division will make every effort to
eliminate all unnecessary idling of school buses. Idling of school buses can
cause the accumulation of exhaust fumes in and around the bus and may pose a
health risk to both students and staff. Unnecessary idling of buses also wastes
fuel.
Therefore, the following procedures are to be
followed:
Procedures:
- When School Bus Drivers arrive at loading or unloading areas to drop-off or
pick-up passengers, they shall turn off their buses as soon as possible to
eliminate idling time and reduce harmful emissions. The school bus shall not
be restarted until the students are ready to load and there is a clear path to
exit the pick-up area. Exceptions include conditions that would compromise
passenger safety, such as:
- extreme weather conditions, and,
- requirements of Special Needs students.
- At the school bus compound, idling time will be limited during early
morning warm up to what is recommended by the manufacturer (generally 3-5
minutes) at all times except in extreme cold weather. In extreme cold
weather, idling times may be up to 20 minutes.
- Buses shall not idle while waiting for students during field trips,
extra-curricular activities or other events where students are transported
off school grounds.
- In cold weather, schools shall provide a space inside the school where Bus
Drivers who arrive early can wait.
- In cold weather, if the warmth of the bus is an issue, idling is to be
kept to a minimum and occur outside the school zone. The "warmed"
school bus is to enter the school zone as close to pick-up time as possible
to maintain warmth. It is an expectation that the students will be ready to
load upon the bus arrival.
- All Bus Drivers shall receive a copy of this policy at the beginning of
every school year.
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