Transportation

LPS TRansportation rules and expectations

Livonia Public Schools Transportation Rules and Expectations 

Safe, Respectful Transportation for All Students 

The Livonia Public Schools Transportation Department is committed to providing a safe, orderly, and equitable environment for all students. We recognize that transportation is an important support for student attendance and access to school, and we strive to reduce barriers while maintaining clear and consistent expectations. These expectations are reinforced by our schools through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), helping students understand and practice safe, respectful, and responsible behavior across all school environments, including transportation. 

Foundational Transportation Principles 

• Transportation expectations are applied consistently across all buses, routes, and schools. While individual situations may require professional judgment for safety, all students are held to the same behavioral standards. 

• Parents/guardians are responsible for the safe passage of students to and from the bus stop. 

• Bus stop pick-up and drop-off times are approximate and may vary due to weather, traffic, and student behavior. 

• Students are expected to ride their assigned bus and use their assigned stop unless otherwise authorized by the Transportation Department. 

• The bus driver is the adult in charge and is responsible for enforcing transportation expectations. Drivers will apply expectations consistently and in alignment with district guidelines while making reasonable adjustments to ensure safety. 

At the Bus Stop and Boarding 

Procedures 

• Students should be at their assigned stop 7–10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. 

• Arrive at the stop on time and be prepared to board. 

• Line up and wait in a safe location away from the roadway until the bus comes to a complete stop and the doors open before approaching. 

Behavior 

• Respect surrounding property and the community at all times. 

• Stay off lawns, landscaping, and other private property. Please do not block driveways. 

Safety 

• Wait in a safe location away from the roadway. 

• If crossing the street, wait for the driver’s signal and cross in front of the bus where you can be seen. 

 

While Riding the Bus 

Procedures 

• The District’s Code of Conduct applies when utilizing LPS transportation. 

• No eating or drinking. 

• Personal device and cell phone use on the bus must follow the District Code of Conduct, including the prohibition of recording audio or video. 

• Personal device use must not interfere with safety or the orderly operation of the bus. Expectations for device use are consistent across all routes; however, drivers may temporarily restrict use if a specific situation becomes unsafe or disruptive. 

Behavior 

• Follow the bus driver’s directions promptly and respectfully. 

• Use appropriate language and behavior; no yelling, profanity, or harassment. 

Safety 

• Remain seated, facing forward, with the aisle clear at all times. 

• Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. 

• Do not fight, push, throw objects, or engage in unsafe behavior. 

• Keep all body parts inside the bus. 

• Windows may only be opened with driver permission. 

 

Exiting the Bus 

Procedures 

• Exit in an orderly manner. 

• Do not return to the bus for dropped items; notify the driver for assistance. 

Behavior 

• Follow directions from the bus driver while exiting. 

Safety 

• Move safely away from the bus after exiting. 

• Stay clear of the bus and roadway until it has departed. 

 

Driver Authority and Safety 

• The bus driver is responsible for the safe operation of the bus. 

• The driver is authorized to assign seats as needed. 

• The driver is authorized to enforce all transportation rules and expectations. 

• All school buses are equipped with video and audio monitoring systems. 

• Recordings may be reviewed by transportation or school administrators. 

 

Expectations and Responsibility 

• Students are expected to behave in a safe, respectful, and responsible manner. 

• Students may not ride a bus or use stops other than those assigned unless approved by the Transportation Department. 

• Families may be held responsible for damage to the bus. 

 

 

Consequences 

Failure to follow bus rules may result in: 

• Warning and redirection 

• Assigned seating 

• Referral to school administration 

• Loss of bus privileges 

• Enforcement of the Student Code of Conduct 

Consequences for rule violations are applied in a consistent and progressive manner across the district, while allowing for administrative discretion based on the severity of the behavior. 

 

PreK and Kindergarten 

• Students are assigned seating near the front of the bus. 

• An adult must be present at the stop for drop-off after school. 

Family Partnership 

Families are encouraged to: 

• Review transportation rules and expectations regularly. 

• Reinforce positive behavior. 

• Ensure students arrive on time. 

• Communicate questions or concerns. 

Families with transportation concerns should contact the Transportation Department. Questions about discipline or Code of Conduct violations should be directed to the building principal.