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FAQs on School Buses

learn all about school bus

The bright yellow school bus is easily one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road today. We all know it as the familiar service that transports young students to and from school every weekday.


Fun fact: the first school buses were rather different from the familiar yellow vehicles we know today. In the 1800s, horse-drawn carriages carrying children to and from school were used instead and were known as ‘school trucks’ or ‘school hacks’!


Curious about the school bus? Whether you’re wondering how to become a bus driver, or you’re interested in the big yellow wagons, read on to learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions about school buses.
about school buses

Q: Why Are School Buses Yellow?

Are you wondering why school buses are the colour yellow? You’re not the only one. It all started in 1939 when yellow was specially formulated for use on school buses in North America. The bright colour was chosen as it can be spotted easily and catches attention.

Scientists have noted that the colour is noticed more quickly in peripheral vision than any other colour. Lateral peripheral vision for detecting yellows is 1.24 times greater than for reds. The bright coloured bus with its black lettering was easiest to notice in the semi-darkness of early morning before school starts. Given that the school bus transport young children, it was agreed that the most eye-catching colour should be used.

Today, yellow is still a classic choice for the school bus in both North America and Canada and, due to safety rules and regulations, some areas in the United States and Canada require that school buses be yellow.

Q: How Much Does A School Bus Cost?

The model and specifications of a school bus will determine precisely how much it will cost. However, if you’re wondering ‘how much does a school bus cost?’ then the simple answer is that the average cost of a school bus comes out to roughly $111,000.

weight of school bus

Q: How Much Does A School Bus Weigh?

Questioning ‘how much does a school bus weigh?’ Unfortunately, as there are several different types and sizes of school buses, there isn’t a single definitive weight. However, here are the typical bus weights for the five types of school buses:

Type A1 buses weigh less than 10,000 pounds.
Type A2 buses weigh more than 10,000 pounds usually weighing around 14,000 pounds.
Type B buses weigh more than 10,000 pounds and operate to carry over ten passengers.
Type C buses weigh more than 10,000 pounds. Usually, they weigh between 23,500 pounds to 29,500 pounds, depending on the number of seats on the bus.
Type D buses weigh more than 10,000 pounds. They weigh between 25,000 pounds and 35,000 pounds, depending on the number of seats.
school buses have cameras

Q: Do School Buses Have Cameras?

The answer is yes, school buses do have cameras for several reasons.

Firstly, cameras are present to monitor employees on the job. In many cases, school bus drivers that know they’re monitored continuously on camera are more likely to follow company policies appropriately. If an issue about adhering to rules occurs, the bus company can use the video footage to support any disciplinary action – including potential dismissal.

Another reason is that having cameras on the school bus allows any bullying to be monitored, as this is a huge concern of parents, teachers, administrators, and of course, students. By installing surveillance cameras, student’s behaviour can be monitored. Playbacks can be used to support any claims of bullying and to properly identify victims and perpetrators so that suitable action can be taken.

Finally, having cameras installed on school buses can help keep students safe from crime as any deviations or criminal instances can be detected, recorded, and reported to the police if necessary.

Q: Can A School Bus Driver Report You For Bad Driving?

Yes, if you’re driving on the road, a school bus driver is not only able to write up school bus violations but is encouraged to do so. The information is then passed onto police officers for further investigation. Many school bus drivers report hundreds of bad drivers in any given year.

State law obliges drivers to stop for a school bus that has its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended. If drivers don’t stop, state law allows and encourages bus drivers to fill out a violation form.

These reports are then given to law enforcement officers and investigated.
do school bus have seatbelts

Q: Do School Buses Have Seat Belts?

Although school buses are supposedly the safest mode of transport for children and teenagers, in Canada the installation of seat belts is not yet mandatory. Whether a school bus features seat belts is currently up to the provinces.

Q: Who Rides On The Bus With The Children?

Most school buses in Canada have a driver and an adult aide and the same pair will usually pull up to the same houses every day.

For parents with a child riding a school bus, it’s a good idea to get to know the driver and helper, so you can ask how your child is doing on their commute. Ask for their names and make sure they know yours too!

You can also let them know if your child has any problems – such as a medical issue or a behavioural issue. Knowing that two responsible adults are aware of your child’s history will make you feel a whole lot better.
do you need school bus service

Do You Need A School Bus Service?

Now you have all the knowledge you could need on school buses whether you’re a parent, a budding school bus driver, a teacher, or anyone else interested in the background behind these famous yellow buses.

Do you require a school bus service in Toronto? With Parkinson school bus rental, you can have peace of mind that we’ll consider your children’s safety at the highest importance. We prioritize their well-being as if they were our own. If your children need to ride a school bus to any location in Mississauga, Brampton or Toronto, they will be safe with Parkinson Coach Lines.

Call us to inquire about school bus rental at (905) 451-4776 or 1-866-550-6800. Alternatively, get in contact by filling out our online form.