Back-to-School Bus Information

Are you the parent or caregiver of a student who rides the school bus in SD83? Here is some important information to help you get ready for the school year!

By August 27th, all parents and caregivers will have received an email containing their child’s busing details. This information will also be available on the Traversa MyRide K-12 app (see more information below). If you have not received your child’s busing information by August 28th, or if you are new to the District, please contact the SD83 Transportation Department at (250) 832-9415 for assistance.

All SD83 bus drivers receive specialized training to enhance safety for the students, bus drivers, and everyone sharing the roads in our District. SD83 uses the Thinking Driver Training System, in addition to in-house developed courses such as Winter Driving (theory), Chain Installation (practical), Safe Loading and Unloading Procedures, Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection refreshers, Emergency Preparedness, Student Management, and a student school bus safety program. In addition, SD83 bus drivers complete training on topics such as Air Brakes refresher, First Aid training, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, WHMIS,  and Harassment in the Workplace.

A key way to help ensure everyone’s safety is for students to respect the rules of the bus. At the beginning of the school year, each student will receive a Code of Conduct from their bus driver. Parents will be asked to review the rules with their child, complete the form, and return the bottom portion to the driver before September 30th. This helps confirm that the rules have been read and understood, while also ensuring the District has accurate contact information for your family in our busing system.

SD83 offers a bus safety program for kindergarten students to introduce them to the rules of riding a school bus safely. The program features ‘Buster’, a mini remote-controlled bus that demonstrates safety rules in an engaging way. Bus evacuation drills are also held for elementary and middle school students to further reinforce these safety practices.

To make it easier for families to stay informed, SD83 uses the Traversa MyRide K-12 app. Accessible on mobile devices and the web, this secure app is integrated with student transportation and GPS, allowing parents and students to track the bus in real-time. The app provides current pick-up and drop-off times, as well as the location of the bus stop.

To sign up for the app, follow the steps provided here . You will need your child’s birthdate using the format yyyy-mm-dd (including dashes) and their Student or Pupil number, which can be found in your MyEd Family Portal or obtained by contacting the school.

For more information about school bus transportation services, please visit our website by clicking here.