Advice for drivers and operators
All operators must be familiar with our conditions of contract for passenger transport.
To help make sure the journey is as safe and as comfortable as possible, there are a set of guidelines for drivers and operators to follow. Copies are available on request.
Prior to service
Drivers must:
- be familiar with the route and make sure they observe the timetable. Problems maintaining the timetable should be reported immediately.
- make sure the correct service number and destination is displayed.
- make daily checks before leaving the depot to make sure the vehicle is fit for service.
Service operation
Drivers and operators must:
- check bus passes each day. Pupils will only get in the habit of showing passes if drivers ask to see them
- confiscate expired passes and return them to us. The coloured stripe on the passes changes every year, so expired passes will be easy for drivers to spot
- charge a fare for pupils who don't have a pass on registered services. A ticket should be issued
- use their discretion when dealing with pupils who claim to have lost their bus pass or money. While it is acceptable for older pupils to be refused travel, drivers should consider potential dangers such as the child's age, location and whether they're on their own
- never refuse primary school pupils travel. Problems or concerns should be reported to the school or to us as soon as possible
- approach bus stops with care
- make sure that the doors are closed before setting off
- not allow the vehicle to be loaded above its capacity. If there are too many pupils, this needs reporting to the operator on return to the depot
- let pupils find a seat before setting off and never allow pupils to stand on the front platform
- not smoke or allow smoking by pupils – this applies to both cigarettes and e-cigarettes
- maintain a professional and detached relationship with passengers and must avoid any physical contact and involvement in inappropriate topics of conversation
- observe the Highway Code, drive in a courteous manner and adhere to speed limits.
- co-operate with our enforcement officers who undertake vehicle checks at both schools and depots. Operators must also make sure they cooperate as well
- remember that they are the adult on board the bus and should not let themselves be provoked by poor behaviour. Always report any behaviour problems to the school, or when you return to your work base
- inform us of any new drivers so Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks can be undertaken.
Behaviour on school transport
We support a number of school services and are committed to providing safe and reliable transport.
A number of bus services now have CCTV fitted and we'll support operators who are able to provide images to schools or the police.
Dealing with misbehaviour
Step 1
Where issues exist, drivers will normally speak to the pupil(s) about their behaviour. If problems remain, details should be reported to the school and ourselves.
Once a pupil has been reported, a verbal warning will be given by the school; pupils may be punished within school for their misbehaviour.
Step 2
Where a pupil is a persistent offender or commits a serious offence, a written warning will be issued as follows.
Either:
- a letter will be sent home informing parents or guardians of their child’s behaviour along with a warning that further misbehaviour will result in the child being banned from the bus for a period
or:
- a letter will be sent home informing parents or guardians that an immediate ban from the bus has been imposed for a specified period. Pupils may also be asked to sign an acceptable behaviour contract before they are allowed to return to the bus
Warning letters are issued by either the school or ourselves.
In very serious cases, the right to travel on school transport may be indefinitely withdrawn. Parents will have a right of appeal against the withdrawal of transport provision to a panel of council members.
When bans are imposed, parents or guardians will be responsible for transport arrangements and costs. Serious offences should be reported to the police, to be dealt with by way of criminal proceedings. A serious offence can be defined as any type of behaviour which endangers the safety of other passengers, the driver and members of the public. It also includes criminal damage or vandalism to the bus.
Damage or vandalism to the bus
Parents or guardians of any pupil who damages or vandalises the bus will be liable for any costs incurred by the bus company. We will support the bus company and will encourage police involvement if necessary.
General advice to operators and drivers
Maske sure that problems with behaviour are reported to the school.
Provide as much information as possible and record these in the incident report book.
Liaise with schools. For example, if your service is operating late, contact the school so they can inform pupils or parents by text alert or social media.
Pupils must never be evicted from the bus midway through the route. Report any problems you have had when you arrive at school, or on return to depot.
Pupils should be encouraged to sit down during the journey and to wear seatbelts if they're available.
Any ban from the bus must have our support and the support of the school. For legal reasons, it is essential that the behaviour guidelines are followed before any ban is imposed.
If in doubt, drivers should seek advice from their employer. Operators may seek advice from our school transport section.
Inspections
Our enforcement officers will undertake vehicle and driver checks at schools.
Operators and drivers are expected to co-operate with officers. Checks may also be undertaken at the operator's depot.
Additional checks will be undertaken by VOSA and the police.
In emergencies
In the event of a breakdown:
- warn other traffic by using the hazard warning lights
- contact the depot to arrange an alternative vehicle
- encourage pupils to wait on the bus for the replacement vehicle to arrive. Drivers can use their discretion as some pupils may only be a short distance from home or school. If drivers are in any doubt, they should seek advice from the operator, school or ourselves
- drivers should stay with the vehicle and passengers
- make sure that drivers have been trained to use emergency exits and any equipment on board such as fire extinguishers
- report the breakdowns or accident to the school and ourselves as soon as possible. Drivers should have the telephone numbers
Contact information
If you have any questions about school transport, contact:
School Transport Team
Derbyshire County Council
County Hall
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3AG
Email: schooltransport@derbyshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01629 536720 or 01629 536739