School Bus or Car?

 

Most parents want to bring their kids to school and personally fetch them, yet we have different realities that sometimes do not allow such, thus, getting the services of a school bus or a school service becomes the choice for many parents.  

Here are some important aspects to consider when deciding whether to opt for a school bus or a private car:

 

•    The distance from your house to the school
It’s practical to just drive your child to school if it’s on your way to work or it’s at least within the same area.  Usually, school starts at 7am, so getting up a little early will be a must. The travel time to school would give you opportunity to chat and communicate with your child.  If the school is way out of your route and schedule, the school bus is a good option.  

•    Your household resources
Assess your household resources to check if a private car would be more cost-efficient versus the school bus.  Aside from the availability of the car, there has to be an adult – usually one of the parents or other family members - who capable and willing to bring the child to school. If both are unavailable, then it’s best for your child to ride the bus along with other schoolmates.

•    The cost of transportation
The cost of gas, car maintenance and the car itself are major areas to consider.  Compute the cost of monthly service fee for a school bus against the cost incurred if you would use your car.  If you have 2 or more kids, or have cousins and neighbors going to the same school with your child, then it may be okay to carpool, and have the other parents chip in for the expenses.

•    Travel time
The usual complaint of parents about a school bus service is that their child gets fetched so early and gets to be brought home so late.  Knowing that school buses have a planned route daily, you cannot demand for your child to be brought home ahead of the others.  Consider your child’s timetable.  If he could get home relatively early and have enough time to rest, play and do his homework, then go for the school bus.  However, if your child would be exhausted with the wait and travel time, then consider having your son fetched by a trusted family member.

 

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If, after weighing the above points, you deem it best for your child to take the school bus, here are some points to consider in choosing a school bus service:

•    The areas served by the school bus
School buses usually serve a particular area or zone, like neighboring subdivisions.  Be sure that you choose the one who would be servicing kids from the same area to minimize travel time. They would also likely have fewer stops, and therefore the waiting time will be lessened.

•    Accreditation
Verify if the school bus operator is accredited by your child’s school.  This means they have passed the school requirements in terms of safety and competency, and have the legal documents needed to operate.Know their track record or violations of school guidelines, if any, for your peace of mind.    

•    Track record of the operator
Aside from checking with the school, ask among your neighbors or friends who may have contracted the services of the operator.  Ask if they manage time well, inquire about their driving skills, how they deal with both the parents and the students. You will be entrusting your child to these people every day, so great precautions are necessary.  

•    Safety and security measure
Accidents, car troubles and manpower problems happen, so it would be best to ask your operator for their emergency measures or contingency plans in case of unexpected events such as bad weather conditions, etc.

Riding the school bus to school or going via private car both entail planning. At the end of the day, consideration of the child’s welfare, time and safety will be the biggest determining factor in making the choice.

Michele Alignay is a registered guidance counselor.  She is the Associate Counselor and a Parenting-Relationship Consultant at the Love Institute. 

Photos from sxc.hu