Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Talks Bus Safety at Takoma Park Elementary

Riding the bus to school can be daunting for kids. We all have memories of how intimidating it can be to find a seat among of a sea of other children. But for educators in Montgomery County, the bus ride to school can be a way to get the day started right.

It's not only about getting the kids to school safe, it's also about getting the student ready to face the day, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said at a "We Love the Bus" event at Takoma Park Elementary School Tuesday.

The event was hosted by the American School Bus Council, an organization founded in 2006 to lobby for the school transportation industry.

And not only is the bus the best way to get a child's day started, but it's also the safest, according to LaHood. The bus is seven times safer than any other way of getting to school including walking, LaHood said.

Takoma Park Elementary School bus driver Wellington Varona Abud was honored by his little passengers at the event as well.

"You treat the children with respect," LaHood said to Abud. "That's why you're a good bus driver."

Abud, who has been known to hand out cookies to students on the bus, took the admiration graciously. 

"It's an honor to drive such smart kids," he said.

Montgomery County School Board President Christopher Barclay