PSS readies bus operations for school opening

As the Aug. 7 school opening draws near, the Public School System Pupil Transportation Fleet is doubling preparation measures for the resumption of its daily transport services for PSS students.

Administrative Services Officer Jess Sanchez reported the school system recently completed the seating upholstery repair of six school buses.

The repairs, according to Mr. Sanchez, didn’t come cheap as PSS continues to live within meager financial resources to have the remaining nine school buses undergo the same improvements.

This past week, bus drivers also started surveying designated bus stops and shelters all over the island for necessary cleanup.

“This is all in the attempt to provide orderly and promising transportation fleet for the school children,” said Mr. Sanchez.

Once transport services resume, the administration is appealing to students to heed discipline procedures taking into consideration that bus drivers and all students share the same vehicle.

According to Mr. Sanchez, every student has the duty to leave home early so to arrive at the designated bus station on time.

Students are reminded to wait for the bus in a safe place and remain there quietly.

They are also urged to enter the school bus in an orderly manner and take the seats without making unnecessary noises.

Instructions of the bus driver should always be followed as they are in charge of the whole trip, according to Mr. Sanchez.

Students are also requested to remain seated while school bus is in motion.

Furthermore, pupils are also asked to observe cleanliness and make sure that the bus is maintained in good condition.

Both students and parents shall be held responsible for whatever damages or destruction any student may cause against the government-owned vehicle and its accessories.

“We also appeal to students to be courteous to their school bus drivers, conductor and fellow passengers,” Mr. Sanchez reminded.

The busing fleet does not tolerate the carrying of tools or equipment to or from school unless turned over to the school bus driver when boarding the bus.

Eating, drinking or chewing gum while inside the bus is also not allowed.

Students are also prohibited from turning on instruments, such as radio, cassette recorder, guitar, ukulele, etc., and the placing of books, lunches, purses and other belongings directly under the seat.

A “no smoking” rule while on the bus has also been mandated by the Board of Education, added Mr. Sanchez.

“I appeal to the students not to write on the seat that wall panels, and the ceiling as well as not to slash or use a sharp object to destroy the fabric materials of the school bus seating,” he said.

The administration has directed all the school bus drivers and bus conductors to equally observe the student rules at all times.

Bus drivers and conductors are also role models like classroom teachers to the students, according to Mr. Sanchez.

They are also trained and prepared to administer disciplinary action on any student whose misconduct compromises the rights of others, endangers school property, or violates PSS Policies or Laws of the Commonwealth. (MM)