Frequently Asked Questions

• My child lives part-time with me and part-time at another address. How do we register?

  We understand that some students live part-time with one parent and part-time with another. We ask that one parent registers one address. Then, please contact the Transportation Department to let them know that another address needs to be added for that child.

• Do all bus riders need to register every year?

  Yes, all riders from kindergarten to Grade 12 need to be registered. It is a government requirement to have a passenger list for each bus. 

• My child left something on the bus. How can they retrieve it?

  Items left behind on the bus will be delivered to the Bus Yard. It is recommended that parents email or call the Transportation Department 250.537.5723. 

• What time should my child be at the bus stop?

  Students should be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

• Can my child bring sports and/or band equipment on the bus?

  In accordance with MVA regulations, school bus drivers CANNOT transport items other than a regular backpack which can fit comfortably on the student’s lap without extending into the space of others or into the aisle. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Guitars, trombones, tenor and baritone saxophones
  • Drums, cellos and other large instruments
  • Hockey sticks and equipment
  • Lacrosse sticks
  • Baseball bats
  • Skateboards / Scooters (long and regular boards)
  • Large school projects that will not fit on a student’s lap
  • Bicycles
  • Items which CAN be transported:
    • Regular sized back packs or bags that sit comfortably on a student’s lap
    • Small band instruments such as flutes, trumpets, alto saxophone and other instruments up to that size.
    • Sport balls that fit into a backpack

• I changed addresses over the summer, can I still register?

  Yes, as long as space is available on the route needed. 

• Our family just moved into SD64, can I still register for the school bus?

  Yes, as long as space is available on the route needed.

• Do all kindergarten – Grade 1 students need to be met by a parent/guardian at their drop-off stop?

  Yes, either a parent, guardian or older sibling must meet the bus. If there isn’t someone there to meet the student, they will be returned to the Bus Yard. 

• Can drivers add a stop or change a route?

  No. A parent/guardian can submit a request, but the final decision rests with the Transportation Department. Requests are reviewed and implemented every six months. 

• Who do I call if the buses are running late?

  For buses that face delays, we will do our best to get communication out to the school affected by the delay. All bus runs are completed, even if late.

• Can my child bring a friend on the bus?

  Students must disembark at their registered stop unless prior approval has been provided through a custodial parent for either childcare or youth activities. Ridership on alternative routes is based on availability and disembarking will only occur at regularly scheduled school bus stops. Prior approval is required through the school administrative assistant and the transportation department at transportation@gulfislandssecondary.ca 

• Can my child bring a pet animal on the bus?

  No. Only certified guide/assistance animals are permitted. All guide/assistance animals must first be approved by the Transportation Department. 

• Can my child be picked up and dropped off at different locations?

  Students must disembark at their registered stop unless prior approval has been provided through a custodial parent for either childcare or youth activities. Ridership on alternative routes is based on availability and disembarking will only occur at regularly scheduled school bus stops. Prior approval should be provided to the school administrative assistant and the transportation department at transportation@gulfislandssecondary.ca

• Does my child need to ride a specific bus route?

  Yes, students must ride on the specific bus they are registered for. 

• Are e-cigarettes allowed?

  No. Smoking any kind of substance on the bus or on any School District property will result in disciplinary action. 

• Can I ride on the bus with my child?

  No, only registered students may ride. Parents and pre-school children are not allowed on the bus unless is a field-trip.

• My child is small. Can a booster seat be used?

  Booster seats are not allowed because there is no way to properly secure them.

• What if there is no bus service where I live?

  If our buses do not serve the area where you live you might be able to apply for Transportation Assistance.
  
  

Any questions? Please contact the Transportation Department at 250-537-5723 or email transportation@gulfislandssecondary.ca