Information and Programs for School Bus Safety Professionals

First Rider Program: Operations Manual
The following information is intended for use by school boards, school bus operators, parent councils and other volunteer organizations working together to develop a "First Rider" program locally.
Introduction
The First Rider program (also known as "orientation ride", "First Time Rider", "The Journey Begins", etc.) is an education and awareness program designed to familiarize young children and their parents with school buses and school bus safety.
Although school bus travel is extremely safe, informing children about safety rules, and parents about safety procedures, will help to promote school bus safety. It also allows parents and children to ask questions about school bus safety and related issues.
The program is intended as a fun learning experience. While open to all children, the program is designed for young children who use school buses to and from school on a regular basis. The information and presentation format lends itself to all children up to the age of eight. The program is approximately 45 minutes in length and usually consists of a safety video, a review of school vehicle safety procedures and a ride on a school bus. It can be adapted for use in a number of different ways, depending on who is organizing the event, the level of participation, timing and resources available. It can be scheduled around the beginning of the school year or as part of a "kindergarten orientation" in June.
To be successful, the program must be well planned and organized. The support of various stakeholders, including school bus operators, drivers, the school board and trustees and local sponsors is very helpful. The program must be publicized.
First Rider programs have been conducted successfully in a number of Ontario communities, including Ottawa-Carleton, Thunder Bay, York Region, etc.