SoWashCo Schools has released comprehensive transportation safety guidelines covering bus ridership, walking, and biking protocols for students across the district.

The Transportation Department outlined daily requirements for bus-riding students, including mandatory scanning of bus ID cards when boarding and exiting vehicles. Students must arrive at bus stops five minutes before scheduled pickup times and maintain proper behavior throughout their rides.

Safety protocols extend beyond bus transportation to include walking and biking guidelines. Students riding bicycles to school must wear helmets that are properly fitted and secured with chin straps. The district specified that students must be at least 15 years old to operate e-bikes.

The guidelines emphasize the 10-foot danger zone around school buses where drivers may have limited visibility. Students are instructed to stay clear of this area and make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of buses.

Bus ridership is classified as a privilege rather than a right, with serious behavioral violations potentially resulting in loss of transportation services. The district noted that cameras continuously record bus activities and that emergency safety equipment including fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and two-way radios are available on all vehicles.