Transportation - Working together for Student Safety

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School Bus Safety
Transportation, Students, and Parents
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Working Together for Student Safety

Parents, students, schools, and the Transportation Department all play an important role in maintaining a safe transportation system.

You can help by:

  • Arriving at the bus stop at least 10 minutes early.

  • Following all school bus safety rules.

  • Keeping contact information current with your child's school.

  • Checking the Transportation webpage for updates throughout the school year.

  • Contacting the Transportation Department with any questions or concerns.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve the students and families of North Kingstown and look forward to another safe and successful school year.

The North Kingstown School Department provides transportation services in accordance with North Kingstown School Department Policy 6600 and all applicable Rhode Island laws and regulations.

Walking Distance to Bus Stops

Under School Committee Policy 6600, students may be required to walk up to one (1) mile from their residence to their assigned school bus stop, provided a safe walking route exists.

Transportation staff evaluate bus stop locations with student safety as the highest priority while also considering route efficiency, traffic patterns, roadway conditions, and vehicle accessibility.

Safety Considerations

The Transportation Department may establish bus stops closer to a student's residence when safety concerns exist, including but not limited to:

  • Roadways with speed limits exceeding 40 MPH

  • Blind curves or limited visibility

  • Lack of sidewalks or safe pedestrian walking areas

  • Roads that are unsafe for school bus travel

  • Other roadway conditions that may present a safety concern

When a school bus cannot safely travel on a particular roadway, the assigned bus stop will be placed as close to the student's residence as safely possible.

Student Responsibilities

To help ensure safe and efficient transportation, students are expected to:

  • Arrive at their assigned bus stop at least ten (10) minutes before their scheduled pickup time.

  • Wait in a safe location away from traffic until the bus arrives.

  • Follow all school bus safety rules and driver instructions.

  • Respect fellow students, school staff, and district property.

Bus Stop Assignments

Bus stop locations are established by the Transportation Department and are based on student safety, roadway conditions, operational efficiency, and district transportation policies.

Bus stop requests will be reviewed individually; however, not all requests can be accommodated.

If you have questions regarding transportation eligibility or your child's assigned bus stop, please contact the Transportation Department.