First time school bus riders encouraged to attend safety session in Burlington, Oakville, Milton

The first day of school can be a nervous proposition for young students, and the first time riding a school bus can make it even more harrowing.

That’s where the First-Time Rider Safety Program comes in for families in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills.

The safety program, funded by the Province of Ontario and offered by Halton Student Transportation Services (HSTS) and the local school bus operators, assists parents and first-time riders in understanding the importance of school bus safety.

It helps students and their parents feel more comfortable riding a school bus before the first day of school.

Parents of all first-time riders are encouraged to bring their children to the free sessions, which will feature a classroom presentation on school bus safety, including a special video and a demonstration on a school bus.

School bus company safety officers and bus drivers will talk to the children and their parents about safely getting on and off of the bus, proper behaviour on a school bus, crossing the street to get to a waiting bus and overall school bus safety.

In addition, a handout will be provided to all young riders with tips on school bus safety.

The First-Time Rider Program will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, at the following locations:

• Oakville St. Ignatius of Loyola, 1550 Nottinghill Gate
• Burlington Notre Dame Secondary School, 2333 Headon Forest Drive
• Milton St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School, 1145 Bronte Street South
• Halton Hills Georgetown District High School, 70 Guelph Street

To register for the program and book a timeslot, visit here by Aug. 22.

For families who are unable to attend The First-Time Rider Safety Program in person, online materials are available here.