Ohio Pupil Transportation Requirements

FAQs regarding Ohio Pupil Transporation Requirements

Q. I cannot see my child’s bus stop from the house. Are there state laws that set the standards for bus stop locations?
A. No law requires a parent to see the bus stop from home. Students in Ohio may be assigned to a bus stop up to one-half mile from their home, and we encourage parents to accompany their child to the bus stop whenever possible. This teaches the child safe habits of walking to and from the bus stop and may give the parent peace of mind. Bus stop locations are determined by each district’s board of education.

Q. Are sidewalks required for my child to get to his/her bus stop?
A. Many students walk alongside roadways to reach their bus stop and in some instances, no sidewalks exist. Issues relating to where a child’s bus stop is located and safety concerns along the way to the bus stop must be addressed with the district. If you have a concern about your child's stop, please the Solon Schools Transporation Department at 440-349-6250. 

Q. I make my child wait inside of my house until the bus is at the stop. I have heard this is not allowed – is this true?
A. Ohio law requires children to be waiting at the bus stop prior to its arrival. Bus drivers count the students at the bus stop before they load and as they get on the bus to ensure all children are safely on board. If students are not waiting at the bus stop the bus driver cannot count them and cannot be certain the students are all safely on board. Waiting at the bus stop before the bus arrives further ensures that no one chases after the bus – this is a very dangerous thing to do. Many districts also instruct their buses to not stop at locations where no students are waiting.

Source: Ohio Department of Education