The number of bus stops on a route impacts the length of time our students are on the bus and the number of buses required to provide transportation services.  Stops are primarily located at street corners or intersections because this is the safest stop location due to the expectations of motorists. When a bus stops mid-block or in front of a residence, it can confuse and frustrate motorists causing them to try and pass the bus, putting students in serious danger.

Stop locations and times are subject to minor revisions after the start of the school year since bus loads and routes are frequently adjusted   to ensure that bus stops are safely located. Please note that bus stops may be located up to ½ mile from a student’s home, provided there are no serious hazards between home and the bus stop.  Therefore, requests to move a stop closer to a student’s residence or establish a closer stop will not be approved unless an IDOT study finds that a safety hazard exists between the home and the bus stop.  Please visit the Illinois Department of Transportation website for more information on hazardous route findings (a helpful guide can be found here.)

All bus stop change requests will be reviewed initially by the school administration to determine if any changes will be made. If the request needs further action, the school administration will send their recommendation to the District Office for review and adjustment. You will be notified by the school when your request has been reviewed and a determination made.

• Request to Change a Bus Stop or Route (Online Form) 

1. Complete the entire form.

2. Use the assigned bus stop while your request is in process.

3. Submit the web form to your school.

Note: Please use the In-Home Daycare Bus Change Request Form for any current bus rider requesting a change in bus assignment due to being at an In-Home Daycare. This form is available at your school. 

Student transportation is an extension of the school program. The safety of the students on the bus will be protected. Misbehavior by students that puts the safety of students on the bus in jeopardy will not be tolerated. The driver is in full charge of the bus and students. Students must obey the driver promptly. The right of all pupils to ride on the bus is conditioned on their good behavior and observance of the rules and regulations. Student behavior and the bus driver’s management of that behavior are the two key elements to safe bus rides. In order to ensure this installation and utilization of video cameras to record the behavior of the students, and the bus driver’s methods of student management may be used.

When students violate bus regulations, a discipline report will be filed by the driver. The student will be called to the office, and be subject to possible disciplinary actions.

The following is a list of rules and regulations regarding bus transportation:

1. Be at your bus stop five (5) minutes before the scheduled pick–up time.

2. If you miss the bus, do not attempt to chase the bus. This can lead to serious injury and drivers are instructed not to stop for students chasing the bus.

3. Be courteous to students and neighbors at bus stops and while traveling on the bus.

4. Ride only your assigned bus. Permission to ride another bus is granted only during emergency situations in which the parent has been in direct contact with the building’s administration.

5. Do not ask to stop at places other than the regular bus stop.

6. Cooperate with the driver at all times.

7. Do not litter the bus or bus stop.

8. Do not use profane language.

9. Remain seated at all times.

10. Do not throw objects at, on, or from the bus.

11. Keep head, hands, feet inside the bus.

12. Do not vandalize equipment (seats will be assigned on vandalized buses).

13. Do not eat, drink, or smoke on the bus.

14. Obey the driver.

15. Gross misconduct on the bus will not be permitted.

16. All students must present their student ID to board the bus (at the individual school’s discretion).
     

All bus related questions or concerns should be directed to the main school office.

The District does not provide transport to and from commercial daycare facilities.  However, in cases where a student that is eligible for transportation attends an in-home day care at a residence that is also eligible for bus service, the District may provide busing.  for such cases, please use the In-Home Daycare Bus Change request form available at your school. Further information can be found here. 

The higher frequency of stops makes the motoring public impatient. This results in people driving around the bus, a dangerous situation. It also delays the bus by increasing the number of stops and makes the student ride time longer. Stops are placed to be convenient for groups of students in the subdivision.   

Indian Prairie provides transportation for over 18,000 students. We are not able to position bus stops so that all parents are able to see the stop from their home.  Parents may consider accompanying their child(ren) to the bus stop.

Buses cannot be routed into a cul-de-sac. Cul-de-sac stops are considered unsafe for the following reasons:

• Cul-de-sac stops create blind spots often causing students to enter or exit in a danger zone around the bus (at a corner stop or street curb stop, they enter/ exit outside the danger zone)
• Different styles and sizes of buses make maneuvering in cul-de-sac difficult
• The rear of the bus has potential to swing around close to the sidewalk
• Parked cars and other obstacles create road hazards that may not be seen until entering the cul-de-sac and at a point of no return
• Backing up a bus when students are on board is strictly forbidden
• Property damage to mailboxes and landscaping

We are not able to route buses so that all children can board the bus on the door side. We recommend that children wait on the side of the street where they reside. The bus will stop traffic in all directions to accommodate students that need to cross the street.

Bus stops are centrally located for all students along a route. Bus stops are not changed to accommodate one or more students because that may displace other students further from their home. 

Weather, traffic, driver absenteeism, maintenance difficulties and unforeseen incidents are responsible for delays in arrival of school buses. Please know that we do everything possible to have all buses running on schedule each and every day. In the event your bus does not arrive as scheduled, contact First Student at 630-978-3284. Please allow 10 minutes before calling.

There are as many as 50-60 students on each bus. It is not possible to contact everyone in such a short time frame.

Buses come in various lengths, widths, heights and weights. The length is what limits the school bus to be maneuvered on smaller streets. Many subdivisions are not designed with school bus transportation in mind.

There are no special laws or requirements for transporting students enrolled in kindergarten. Kindergarten students are eligible for transportation services if they live more than 1.5 miles from the school. Parents of kindergartners and special education students are responsible for meeting their child’s bus each day or designating a responsible individual to be with their child during pickup and drop off times.

Address stops may occur for a special education student on a regular route, mid-point on a long street, or on a four lane road.

If you miss the bus, do not attempt to chase the bus. This can lead to serious injury and drivers are instructed not to stop for students chasing the bus. Students should return back home or back to the school building and let an adult know they missed the bus.

Bus stops may be up to 1.49 miles from a student’s residence. Stops in District 204 are less than .5 miles from students' residences.