Tips for a Safe School Bus Ride

Whether Sept. 6 is your child's very first day of school or he or she is practically a veteran at this point, watching them board the school bus is always bittersweet.

To ensure the day goes smoothly and the only thing you have to worry about is if they eat their apple at lunch, we've gathered some tips from the Department of Education's Office of Pupil Transportation's website for parents and guardians to follow for a safe and pleasant bus ride. 

The Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) is the largest school transportation department in the country.

Tips for parents and guardians: 

• Before the school year begins, you and your child should visit the assigned bus stop together.
• Be sure your child knows the safest way to the exact location where the bus will stop.
• Be at the bus stop at least five minutes early on the first day.
• You and your child should become familiar with your bus driver, but be aware that a different driver may substitute when needed.
• Keep bus company phone numbers handy in case the bus is delayed or in the event of an emergency.
  • Use the School Age Bus Company Directory to find a bus company phone number if your child is in kindergarten through sixth grade.
  • Use the Pre-K Bus Company Directory to find a bus company phone number if your child is in pre-K.
• You can check to see if a bus company has posted any information on the Web site about school bus delays for your child's route.
• Remember to help your child learn and practice the safety rules. Go over safety tips with your child regularly.

If you need assistance, you can always call OPT Customer Service at (718) 392-8855.

Starting Aug. 28, parents and guardians can find out their child's bus information for the 2012-13 school year online or by calling the OPT Customer Service Center. Please check back frequently, information is added daily.

Use the Student Transportation Information search to look up your child's information online. To view the information, you will need to enter your child's student ID number and date of birth. 

Please have your child's student ID number ready. Agents are available:

• Monday to Friday from 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Aug. 28-Sept. 22)
• Labor Day from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Automated service is available 24 hours a day beginning on Aug. 28