Transportation of Carry-on Items (Excerpts from AP 745)
School buses have been specifically designed and equipped to carry students and provide the highest level of protection for passengers. School buses are not designed to safely carry cargo along with passengers. It is both prudent and appropriate to take the necessary measures that improve bus passenger safety.
- Carry-On Items
1.1 For safety reasons, items being carried on by students are limited to small articles (placed in a backpack, or small gym or kit bag) that can easily be stored and adequately managed within the student’s personal space. These items are easily carried on the lap or stored under the seat occupied by the students. Items cannot be stored on the floor in front of an occupant.
1.2 Only small musical instruments contained in their cases that can be easily carried on the lap or stored under the seat occupied by the student are permitted on a bus.
1.3 All skates must have the blades suitably protected with guards and shall be tied together, stored in a durable bag and kept on the lap of the student or under the seat.
1.4 Electronic games, musical devices with earphones, and cell phones are permitted on the bus as long as they do not create a distraction. Noise level must be kept low. Earphones may not be worn and cell phones may not be used while students are boarding or exiting the bus
1.5 Items must be adequately managed by each passenger in their assigned seating place.
1.6 These items cannot interfere with free access to the exits of the bus. Items cannot stick out into the aisles or above seats or into any other student’s space. Aisles must be kept clear and the doors and emergency exits shall remain unobstructed at all times.
1.7 No student carry-on items can obstruct the orderly emergency or non-emergency exiting of the school bus. - Items Prohibited for Transportation Purposes
• Anything of a dangerous or objectionable nature.
• Any pet, animals, or any other living creature.
• Any drugs, tobacco, vaping products, alcohol or related items such as lighters, etc.
• Sport equipment including but not limited to: golf clubs, hockey equipment, hockey sticks, curling brooms, baseball bats, lacrosse sticks, skateboards, snowboards, skis and poles, or other similar items are not allowed.
• Science boards (e.g. tri fold displays).
• Any school project that cannot be held in a student’s lap.
• Plants, dirt, sand or other growing projects.
• Any item which cannot be transported safely in the seat with the student or which creates a safety concern.
• Anything that might endanger the lives or safety of persons in the bus, or may pose a hazard to the safe operation of the bus. - Notes
3.1 The above mentioned list of prohibited items is not exhaustive.
3.2 Schools and students are to make alternate arrangements for the transportation of prohibited items including large quantities of carry-on items.
3.3 The safety and well-being of our passengers and drivers is paramount. The Transportation Department including the driver has the responsibility and right to reject any item(s) determined to be unsafe or inappropriate for school bus travel.