HERE ARE SOME COMMONLY ASKED
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: If my child's return bus
is not at the stop at the designated time - how long do I
wait before becoming concerned?
A: Unless there is an obvious reason for the delay (like bad
weather) a 20 - 30 minute delay can be normal.
Q: If my child does not get
off the bus - whom should I call?
A: Ask the driver, they will contact Southland dispatch.
Q: If a bus is delayed will
you call me?
A: No, Southland does not have student lists or phone numbers.
Q: Can my kindergarten
child practice riding on the bus?
A: Yes, each August we provide a program called "First
Ride". This program is especially for kindergarten children
and their parents. Dates and locations of the event are sent
to parents who have their child registered in kindergarten.
Q: Can I go
on the school bus the first day?
A: No unfortunately you are unable to accompany your child
on the bus. There are both capacity and security issues involved.
Q: If I have
a compliment or concern regarding a driver - whom should I
call?
A: Please e-mail us at info@southland.pwt.ca
Q: Are children
allowed to eat on the bus?
A: Normally, due to allergies, etc., students are not allowed
to eat on a bus, however each driver is allowed to decide
based upon student behavior and knowledge of any allergies
on the bus.
Q: At what
time does my child need to be at their bus stop?
A: Please have your child at their scheduled pick-up point
5 minutes early.
Q: Will the
bus wait for my child?
A: Unfortunately the bus cannot wait for tardy students. The
driver has a schedule that must be maintained.
Q: What are
the common causes for school bus delays?
A: Weather, traffic re-routing and dual routing may delay
the school bus
Q: Which time
system does Southland use for synchronizing their time?
A: Southland has an electronic clock that synchronizes time
automatically with the Atomic Clock in Boulder, Colorado.
A good time check is at 11:00 am on CBC radio (1010 am)
Q: What do
I do if my child has missed their bus?
A: You will have to drive your child to the school if your
child misses the school bus
Q: What types
of items are not allowed on the school bus?
A: Animals of any kind are not allowed on a school bus. Additionally,
unsecured items such as skateboards, hockey sticks and cardboard
displays are not permitted on a school bus due to safety reasons
Q: Our children
attend a Calgary Public School, where can they obtain their
school bus passes?
A: All details regarding bus passes is handled through the
school and forwarded to the transportation office at the Board
Q: If my child
loses something on the school bus where should I go to collect
it?
A: Southland does not keep items that are found on the bus.
The lost item is returned to the school's lost and found
Q: If my child
has an appointment and is not going home on the bus, whom
do I need to advise?
A: If your child knows in the morning that they will not be
on the school bus that afternoon they can advise the driver
directly. Please advise the school office as well as the driver
of any upcoming appointments
Q: Why do school
buses in Calgary not use the stop arm or flashing lights when
students are loading or unloading?
A: There is a city bylaw that restricts the use of flashing
lights on most thoroughfares in and around Calgary. The City
Bylaw is detailed in the link below along with the section
of the Alberta Highway Traffic Act 105 - Flashing Lights on
a school bus