ACTIVITY TRIPS

Route Planning

The State of Colorado has many diverse geographical challenges, from the plains to the mountains, rapidly changing weather conditions, wildlife, etc.  Therefore, it is critical that the school transportation vehicle operator be prepared for anything that could potentially take place.  Make sure you have all the details of the trio.

Departure Times and Locations

Transportation departments do their very best to estimate the punch-in, departure, arrival and return times.  As a driver, it is very important that you try to maintain the estimated time schedule.

• Know the exact location and time that you will be picking up the students that will be transported on the trip.
• Plan your route.  Determine the route you plan to take considering road conditions, tolls(who is expected to pay for the toll), traffic congestion, weather, hazards, tunnels, etc.  Have an alternate route in mind just in case you need to use it.
• Depart on time.  If you are running late, you should have a few minutes of flexibility.  DO NOT SPEED!!  If the sponsor is late and tells you to "get us there on time", do your best but do not violate the law and risk your license because the sponsor ran late.
• Additional stops. Determine with the sponsor if there will be any additional stops for food and restroom use on your way to the event or on your return trip.  Follow your district policy when it comes to permitting students to eat in the school transportation vehicles.  To prevent spills, require beverages to have sealable lids.  Make sure students know where the trash container is located and encourage them to use it.  For your comfort and the comfort of your passengers, it is suggested that there should be no more than 90 minutes between stops.
• Know the exact location of your destination. Know where the entrances and exits are to the facility.
• Drop-off and pick-up locations at the event.  BEFORE YOU ARRIVE - ask the sponsor where they would like to unload the students and the exact location and approximate time you need to be there to load students.  Do not make them wait for you!  You should be waiting for your students with a vehicle that has already had a pre-trip inspection and the heat/air is already on.
• Where will you park?  Depending on the size of the vehicle you are driving, finding adequate parking can be a nightmare.  Will there be a charge for parking?  Is there easy access in and out of the parking spot?  Could you be pinned in?   
• What is expected of the driver?  Are you expected to stay at the destination?  Be available if threatening weather is a possibility?  Are you welcome to accompany the group?  Make sure you give the sponsor your phone number or a means to contact you in the event of an emergency prior to leaving the destination site.  Agree on the location and time you should return.
• Do not leave until all passengers are on board.  The sponsor is responsible for the student count and assuring that al the students are on board before departing.
• Returning to District.  Politely ask student to clean up as much trash as possible.  Make sure that all students are out of the vehicle and that they have not left any personal belongings in the vehicle.  Follow your district policies regarding fueling, paperwork and of course the cleanliness of the vehicle.