Code of conduct for young people who use school transport
Why we have a code of conduct
We know that most young people behave well on school transport, but occasionally the behaviour of a few can make the journey unpleasant for everyone, and can sometimes endanger others.
We have a code of conduct because we want everyone to stay safe and travel in comfort. To make sure this happens we need all young people and their parents/carers to agree to abide by this code of conduct.
Our code of conduct should give you a clear idea of what is expected of you, and if you follow the guidelines it contains your journey to school will be safe and enjoyable. We all have a responsibility to make sure this is the case.
If you don’t keep to the code of conduct your parents or carers will be told and you may not be able to use school transport anymore.
By accepting school transport assistance you are agreeing to abide by this code of conduct.
What you need to do to travel safely and be a good passenger
- Treat the bus driver and your fellow passengers with respect.
- Do as the driver asks.
- Do follow any DCC guidance issued in regards to safe travel (for example, COVID hygiene, face masks).
- Stay in your seat and keep your seat belt on.
- Look after your possessions and the bus.
- Take any litter home with you.
- Keep noise to a reasonable level – if you want to listen to music or watch videos, personal headphones should always be worn.
- Don’t play any music or videos with explicit content or lyrics on your phone.
- If you see someone behaving badly or bullying others always report it to the driver or your school.
- Don’t distract the driver except in an emergency.
- Don’t carry real or replica weapons.
- Don’t throw things.
- Don’t eat, drink, smoke or vape (smoking is against the law for everyone on buses, taxis and trains).
- Don’t use bad language.
- Don’t damage the vehicle – if you do your parents or carers will have to pay for the damage.
- Get on or off the bus only when it has stopped to allow you to do so. Never cross the road directly behind or in front of a bus. Wait until it has moved off and you can see clearly in both directions. The Highway Code provides more guidance for pedestrians and crossing the road safely.
Your pass
Your pass is for you only and must always be carried if you want to use school transport. Be ready to show your pass to the driver; you will not be allowed to travel without it.
If you lose your pass, call 0345 155 1019.
If you’re late the bus won’t wait
You and your parents or carers are responsible for making sure that you get to and from the pick up point safely, at least 5 minutes before the bus is due.
If the bus or train is late only wait at the pick up point for 20 minutes.
Agree on a plan with your parents or carers about what to do if transport doesn’t arrive or you forget your pass.
If there is a storm or snow, you can find information about school and route closures or listen to the local BBC radio station.
Remember, if your parents or carers take you to school in the morning they must also be prepared to collect you in the afternoon if the weather is still bad.
You can also download and print a leaflet version of this code of conduct.