BUS TRANSPORTATION
ELIGIBILITY
Students who are zoned to Westside High School and live more than 2 miles from the school are eligible for HISD bus transportation. Non-zoned students in our Magnet Program are also eligible. Those with Career & Technology or M-to-M (majority to minority) transfers may be eligible for transportation if space is available. Students who need transportation but are not eligible to ride HISD buses can visit www.ridemetro.org for information on city bus routes.
BUS PASSES
Students zoned to Westside must complete a Bus Application with Mary Hansen in the Main Office. While we prefer students do this in person, you may download the form and fax it to the attention of Mary Hansen at 281-920-8059 but please follow-up via phone (281-920-8002) or email (mhansen@houstonisd.org).
Students will receive a temporary bus pass pending approval and receipt of their official pass. Eligible non-zoned students pick up their bus pass from Ms. Hansen. WHS students are required to wear their Westside ID badge and authorized bus sticker to ride the bus. Failure to comply may result in loss of transportation privileges.
Bus stickers are available from Mrs. Hansen, in the main office, during lunch periods only.
BUS STOP SCHEDULES AND ROUTES
Bus stops are determined by HISD and are located within 2 miles of your home at an HISD facility, usually at an elementary, middle, or high school.
Bus Stop Schedules for 2010 - 2011 School Year.
The late start Thursday times are determined by Butler, and will not be posted on the HISD schedule. This year, the times were an hour behind schedule, with the exact time decided by the driver of the route.
STUDENT SAFETY
The Houston Independent School District provides transportation services to eligible students to attend their assigned campuses. Transportation is a privilege, and students are required to obey appropriate safety and conduct rules to remain eligible for transportation services. Students are responsible for contributing to the safe operation of the school bus – not detracting from it!
Students are expected to know and follow bus rules in the following areas:
Before Boarding the Bus
- Arrive at your designated stop at least ten minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time. HISD will not send a bus to pick you up if you miss your bus because you were late.
- Be careful in the loading area. Wait in an orderly, single line for the bus to arrive and avoid horseplay. Stay out of the street or bus drive while waiting for the bus to arrive.
- Approach the bus entrance only after the bus has come to a complete stop. Pushing or shoving while boarding the bus will not be tolerated.
After Boarding the Bus
- Obey the bus operator’s directions.
- Go to the closest available seat or to your assigned seat and stay seated until you arrive at your destination. The bus operator may assign you a seat if, in his or her judgment, it is in the best interest of student safety.
- Speak in a classroom voice. Loud speech or laughter causes distractions for the driver. Rough-housing or horseplay on the bus will not be allowed and may result in a loss of transportation privileges.
- Keep the bus litter free. No food or drinks may be consumed on the bus.
- Buses are the property of HISD. If you cause any damage to or vandalize an HISD bus, you and your parent or guardian will be financially responsible, and you may permanently lose your transportation privileges.
- Never throw an object inside or out of the bus. Keep all parts of your body (head, hands, and arms) inside the bus at all times.
- Observe the rules of good conduct and show courtesy to everyone. The use of profane language, rude gestures, or malicious behavior toward the bus operator, a fellow passenger, or another motorist will not be tolerated.
- For the safety of all passengers, aisles must be kept clear of all objects such as books, backpacks, musical instruments, packages, and coats.
- Items which are prohibited on school grounds may not be taken on an HISD school bus, such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or weapons.
All provisions of the HISD Code of Student Conduct apply to students when being transported by HISD transportation services. Violations of the HISD Code of Student Conduct while on an HISD school bus will be referred to the appropriate campus administrator for disciplinary action.
Conduct violations may result in a temporary or possibly permanent loss of a student's transportation privileges!
Leaving the Bus
- If you live on the right side (bus exit side) of the street, leave the bus and walk in a direction in which you can be seen by the driver.
- If you live on the left side of the street (across the street from the bus), leave the bus and walk about 15 feet in front of the bus. Watch for the driver’s signal that it is safe and walk to the left front fender of the bus. Stop and look in both directions to see if it is safe before proceeding across the street. Never cross the street behind the bus!
For your safety, you may ride only your assigned bus, and you will be discharged only at your assigned stop. Be sure to follow the directions of the driver. Your safety is our primary mission!