What is in the code?

Parents and carers have responsibility for the behaviour of the children under their care. Accordingly, they should ensure their students are aware of the Code of Conduct for School Students Travelling on Buses (PDF, 733 KB).

Parents and carers should discuss the code with their child so they fully understand what they should and should not do.

Most students find that the Code of Conduct is easy to follow and does not require any change to their current behaviour. By following the code, students will be helping to ensure a comfortable, pleasant and safe ride for all passengers.

The expected behaviour of students

Students should follow these guidelines:

Behaviour—respect other people and their property.

Students must:

• treat other people and their possessions with respect
• follow bus drivers' directions without argument
• not interfere with bus property, equipment, shelters and signs by marking or damaging them in any way.

Behaviour—wait for the bus in an orderly manner.

Students must:

• wait well back from the bus until it stops and allow other passengers to leave the bus before boarding
• stand quietly without calling out or shouting
• not push other people in the line.

Behaviour—while on the bus, conduct yourself in an orderly manner.

Students must:

• always follow instructions from the driver about safety on the bus
• show their bus pass, ticket or ID upon request
• sit properly on a seat if one is available (or in an allocated seat if directed by the driver)
• remain in the area designated by the driver (if standing)
• store school bags under the seat or in appropriate luggage areas
• speak quietly and not create unnecessary noise
• wear a seat belt where fitted.

Students must not:

• bully or harass other students or the driver
• place feet on the seats
• fight, spit or use offensive language
• throw any article around, or from, the bus
• consume food or drink, or play music without permission from the driver
• smoke (prohibited on all buses)
• travel under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol or volatile substances
• allow any portion of their body to protrude out of the bus windows
• stand forward of the front seat
• use a mobile phone to send threatening messages, or photograph others without consent
• distract drivers by using  mobile phones or hand-held computer games.

Behaviour—use designated stops.

Students must:

• disembark at a designated stop.

Behaviour—when getting off the bus, do so in an orderly manner.

Students must:

• wait until the bus stops before standing to get off
• exit from the bus in a quiet and orderly fashion
• never cross the road in front of the bus—students should wait until the bus has moved away before crossing the road (when it is safe to do so)
• use crossings or traffic lights if available.

Behaviour—in case of an emergency or a breakdown, follow the driver's directions.

Students must:

• follow instructions of drivers at all times
• wait until the bus stops before standing to get off
• leave the bus in a quiet and orderly fashion
• wait in the area indicated by the driver.