USE OF COMMERCIAL BUSES

Background

The District approves of the use of commercial buses for transporting of students as outlined in the procedures below.

Procedures

1. Staff at the Transportation Department will coordinate chartering of commercial buses in accordance with the following principles:
   1. A chartered bus must have a current inspection certificate.
   2. A chartered bus must have a current school bus permit.
   3. A chartered bus must not be older than 10 years.
   4. A chartered bus must have a current Motor Carrier’s license which clearly defines the approved carrying capacity of the vehicle.
   5. A chartered bus must adhere to the same rules as apply to District-owned or District-leased buses, including those found in the School Bus Regulation (Motor Vehicle Act Regulation Part II).
   6. The driver of a chartered bus must adhere to the same rules as apply to District drivers, including those found in School Bus Regulation (Motor Vehicle Act Regulation Part II).
   7. The contract with the Charter Company is to include an indemnity and hold harmless clause in favour of the District for claims arising out of the operations of the contractor; it is also to require the contractor to carry $10 million in Third Party Liability insurance on each bus as well as Comprehensive General Liability insurance to a minimum limit of $2 million.
2. The Principal will arrange for all commercial buses through the Transportation Manager.
3. The Principal will ensure that a supervising teacher is named whenever a commercial bus is used to transport students.
4. The Principal will also ensure that:
   1. A passenger list is prepared in advance of the trip.In addition to the names of the passengers, it must contain the telephone numbers (home and office) of the Principal and Superintendent.A copy will be on file at the school.The driver and the supervising teacher will receive a copy.
   2. The supervising teacher is to familiarize himself/herself with the location of first aid equipment before the bus departs on the trip.
   3. The supervising teacher is to ensure that the loading and unloading of students is safe and orderly.He/she will also ensure that students understand their responsibilities.
   4. The supervising teacher is to ensure there will be no overloading of passengers.No standees will be permitted.Every person shall be comfortably and securely seated.There is to be no sitting in the aisle and both cheeks of the passenger's rump must be on the seat.No part of the passenger will project into the aisle space.
   5. If any major changes in route or itinerary occur while on route, the supervising teacher is to notify the Principal immediately.
   6. If an accident should occur, the supervising teacher or bus driver is to immediately inform the Principal, who in turn may notify the Superintendent, who in turn may notify trustees and provide details of the incident.If the Principal is not available, the Superintendent must be notified.
5. General
   1. Passengers will ensure that they have nothing in their possession that may cause injury to others.Items other than personal belongings shall be no larger than can be accommodated under the passenger seats, and under no circumstances shall any item project into an aisle.A separate vehicle is to be provided for any items that cannot be safely carried under the passenger seats or in a luggage compartment.
   2. Students are subject to school discipline while being transported on commercial buses.The supervising teacher(s) will be responsible for enforcing discipline in a manner consistent with school procedures.
   3. If more than one bus is being used, students must remain on the bus to which they are originally assigned.
   4. All students must carry identification.