The district operates the largest transportation system in Lapeer County. Its 55 buses travel in excess of 1,000,000 miles annually to pick up and deliver students each school day.  The district offers transportation generally to any students who live more than 1.5 miles from their school. Transportation policies emphasize meeting the needs of families.

General Information

Bus transportation to and from school is provided by Lapeer Community Schools for all students who live in the district and outside of the no-service areas. We want our students to enjoy a safe and orderly ride to and from school and school-related events.

The school district establishes procedures, guidelines and rules to govern school bus operation in order to 1) protect the health and safety of the passengers, 2) avoid disruption of transportation and school-day schedules, and 3) prevent damage to school district property. School bus transportation is a privilege and not a right. Students are expected to observe the rules and be a safe citizen.

Passengers are on school property when they are on the school bus and are expected to observe the same behavior that is expected in school. The "Student Code of Conduct" as well as these "Bus Rules for Students" below are in force and govern the behavior of our bus passengers. Students from other schools that use our bus service are expected to follow the same rules and may face the same disciplinary procedures as Lapeer Community Schools students.

Passengers are expected to follow the rules herin. Passengers who break the rules will be reported to the appropriate school administrator for disciplinary action.

The driver may take action designed to address issues and correct problems. Seat assignment, contacting parents, seeking assistance of transportation and/or school administrators and filing written rule violation reports are some of the driver's remedies. Drivers may recommend suspension of service to the administrator for severe or repeated infractions.

Parents who have questions or concerns about the transportation service or a school bus driver may call the Transportation Department at (810) 667-2433 during school days between 5:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Passenger Safety

The following rules address the safety and well-being of passengers while waiting for the bus, riding on the bus, and behavior boarding and exiting the bus. Most passenger injuries and fatalities occur outside of the school bus when rules are not properly observed. Students who do not follow these rules will be dealt with most seriously.

1. Passengers are forbidden to do anything detrimental to the health and safety of themselves, other passengers, the bus driver or citizens outside of the school bus.

2. Passengers will not be allowed to bring anything on the bus that cannot be safely held on the lap, or is of an objectionable nature. Objects cannot be placed in the aisle or near the driver. When necessary, objects must be held to provide seating for other students.

3. While waiting at the stop, passengers shall not push or shove other passengers. Passengers should wait in an orderly fashion safely away from traffic without running or horseplay.

4. Passengers should observe the following while boarding or departing the school bus:

A) Wait in a safe area until the bus completely stops and the driver signals to proceed.

B) If crossing, wait until the driver signals, look both ways and cross promptly without running.

C) Crossing must be done in front of the school bus at all times.

D) Passengers should remain 10 feet away from the bus until they approach the steps to board. Never touch or hold on to any part of the outside of the school bus.

E) Once you are on the bus, go promptly to your seat and settle in so the driver can proceed.

F) When exiting the bus, remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.

5. Passengers should not run, jump or fight on the school bus.

6. Passengers should not throw anything at the bus, at others, inside or outside of the bus.

Passenger Rules & Regulations

Passengers are expected to observe the rules and regulations in order to maintain safe, reliable service to eligible students of the district.

1. Bus drivers have complete control and responsibility for the safety and well-being of their passengers. Bus drivers are to be treated with respect and courtesy. Passengers are expected to do as the driver requests.

2. Passengers should be at the designated stop five minutes before the scheduled arrival of the school bus. Drivers may not wait for tardy passengers. Once the door is closed and the red flashing lights are deactivated, it is illegal for the driver to board additional passengers at the stop.

3. Passengers boarding will locate a seat promptly and remain seated until the bus arrives at the final destination, or the driver gives permission to move.

4. Passengers cannot deny another passenger access to a seat. Passengers may be required to sit up to three in a seat.

5. The driver reserves the right to assign seats for passenger well-being, behavior management, or loading control.

6. Passengers should keep the noise to a reasonable level and avoid inappropriate language as determined by the driver.

7. Passengers shall not eat or drink on the school bus.

8. Passengers are prohibited from use and/or possession of tobacco products, drugs and/or alcohol in any form on the school bus.

9. Passengers are prohibited from carrying or concealing guns, knives, explosives or other objects that could be used as a weapon on the school bus.

10. Passengers are prohibited from bringing animals or any kind or size on the school bus.

11. Passengers may not bring roller skates or skateboards on the bus.

12. Passengers will not tamper with any equipment mechanisms, switches, handles or doors inside the bus.

13. Passengers may open windows with the driver's permission.

14. Passengers are expected to keep the inside of the bus clean and sanitary.

15. Passenger cell phones must be turned off while on the bus.

16. Passengers shall not extend anything outside a bus window, including objects or bosy parts.

17. In addition to disciplinary action, passengers may be billed for damage due to their vandalism.

18. Passengers are prohibited from use of the emergency exits except when appropriate during cases of emergencies or emergency drills.

19. Sports equipment that can be safely held should be in an appropriate bag or carrying case.

20. Passengers need to follow any rules posted on or inside the school bus.

Changing Busses/Bus Stop Locations

For security and loading reasons, students must ride the bus route they are assigned from the stop location assigned. In emergency cases, students will be allowed to ride another bus or get off at another stop. The student must secure a Transportation Adjustment Form from the school office. This form must be signed by the Principal or Dean of Students and presented to the bus driver prior to boarding. If the family wishes to change the bus stop location(s) permanently, this must be done by visiting the school or Transportation Department and completing a Transportation Deviation Form. This cannot be accomplished over the phone at the Transportation Department.

Passengers or parents may discuss issues pertaining to transportation service or the bus rules by contacting the Transportation Department at (810) 667-2433 and speaking to the Director of Transportation or one of the office staff members. If a parent wishes to discuss an issue with the driver, they are encouraged to call Transportation Department and a call will be returned. Drivers do not have time in their routes to discuss issues.

Contact Information 

582 South Calhoun Street
Lapeer, MI  48446
Staff:  Email Linda Thompson, Director                
Phone: (810) 667-2433 
Fax: (810) 667-2497 
Office hours: 7:30 am - 5:15 pm