Frequently Asked Questions
How do you decide the weather is too dangerous for school buses to transport students to school?
The Superintendent of schools is responsible for the final decision to close schools due to inclement weather. The decision is made after administrative staff reports weather road conditions. Other factors considered are school facility information (heat, water, power), school parking lot conditions, temperature and wind chill, snow and ice build up on main and secondary roads and weather forecasts and predictions. A decision will be made and the public will be notified by 6:00 AM.
Why is my child's bus late?
Weather, traffic, maintenance difficulties, and unforeseen incidents are responsible for delays in the arrival of school buses in the morning and afternoon. Drivers check buses before their routes and sometimes find mechanical problems that can cause delays and require driving another bus for that day. This can cause the bus to be late. Please know that we are doing everything possible to have all buses running on schedule every day. In the event that your bus does not arrive as scheduled, please allow five to fifteen minutes before calling the transportation office or the school.
Weather, traffic, maintenance difficulties, and unforeseen incidents are responsible for delays in the arrival of school buses in the morning and afternoon. Drivers check buses before their routes and sometimes find mechanical problems that can cause delays and require driving another bus for that day. This can cause the bus to be late. Please know that we are doing everything possible to have all buses running on schedule every day. In the event that your bus does not arrive as scheduled, please allow five to fifteen minutes before calling the transportation office or the school.
Why can't you call when you know the bus will be late?
It is simply a numbers problem. There are as many as 50-70 students on each bus. That is at least 50-70 phone calls in a short time frame to parents who are quite possibly at the bus stop with their children. It is just not feasible. Please know that there is a bus on the way and that we will do everything possible to transport your child to and from school in a timely manner every day.
Why does my child have an assigned seat?
Seat assignments are a positive way for the ride to be consistent and safe. This aids the driver with discipline. The driver has the authority to assign seats as they deem necessary.
Why can't my child get off wherever they want?
To avoid multiple problems, the driver requires a note from the school to alter the destination of students. This allows the drivers to focus on driving and safety instead of having to decide whether the student should be allowed to change their routine. The parent should speak directly to their school. This policy avoids confusion and the chance of students getting lost.
Can I reach someone in the Transportation Department before 8:00 a.m.?
Yes, our dispatch office is staffed from 6:30 am to 4:45 pm. The phone number is 585.267.1480, option 1.
How can I become a school bus driver?
We are always looking for good drivers to train to become school bus drivers. Applications are available on our website: Jobs in Transportation. Applications can also be picked up in the Transportation office at 100 Mendon Center Road, Pittsford or from the District Office in the East Wing of Barker Road Middle School at 75 Barker Rd, Pittsford. Only a regular Class D license is required to apply to become a bus driver. We will train successful applicants for their CDL-B license.
It is simply a numbers problem. There are as many as 50-70 students on each bus. That is at least 50-70 phone calls in a short time frame to parents who are quite possibly at the bus stop with their children. It is just not feasible. Please know that there is a bus on the way and that we will do everything possible to transport your child to and from school in a timely manner every day.
Why does my child have an assigned seat?
Seat assignments are a positive way for the ride to be consistent and safe. This aids the driver with discipline. The driver has the authority to assign seats as they deem necessary.
Why can't my child get off wherever they want?
To avoid multiple problems, the driver requires a note from the school to alter the destination of students. This allows the drivers to focus on driving and safety instead of having to decide whether the student should be allowed to change their routine. The parent should speak directly to their school. This policy avoids confusion and the chance of students getting lost.
Can I reach someone in the Transportation Department before 8:00 a.m.?
Yes, our dispatch office is staffed from 6:30 am to 4:45 pm. The phone number is 585.267.1480, option 1.
How can I become a school bus driver?
We are always looking for good drivers to train to become school bus drivers. Applications are available on our website: Jobs in Transportation. Applications can also be picked up in the Transportation office at 100 Mendon Center Road, Pittsford or from the District Office in the East Wing of Barker Road Middle School at 75 Barker Rd, Pittsford. Only a regular Class D license is required to apply to become a bus driver. We will train successful applicants for their CDL-B license.