Safety
Driver Skills and Training
Red Bus is the only company in Christchurch to have its own Driver Training and Development Centre. This allows us to train our drivers to a high standard in both bus driving and customer service. The driving school trains new drivers and ensures existing drivers maintain a high skill level.
We expect our drivers to be helpful and friendly, while getting passengers safely and comfortably to their destinations.
All our school bus drivers have their National Certificate in Urban Bus and LCP qualification in school bus driving. New bus drivers complete a first aid course as part of their qualification and all drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Our Fleet
We have a fleet of over 200 buses maintained to manufacturer’s standards. Our on-site workshop is staffed with specialist bus mechanics and engineers who complete the regular scheduled services and critical maintenance work. Buses are cleaned daily.
Front Door Policy
It is our policy to use only the front doors on all school bus services; this is to make sure the driver can see everyone (and their bags and belongings) safety on and off the bus. Please remember to stay clear of the bus when it is pulling out and don’t attempt to cross in front of the bus, wait until the bus is well away from the stop.
Code of Conduct
Red Bus in association with ECan’s Metro team has developed a Code of Conduct for everyone travelling on Christchurch's bus services. The Code sets out your rights and responsibilities while travelling on a Christchurch bus.
If you wish to see the code of conduct just click on this link. http://www.metroinfo.org.nz/metrocardCoC.html
The Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Ed also has procedures that we follow.
www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/schooltransport
Unaccompanied Children
There are times when groups of children need to travel unaccompanied e.g. school buses to and from school and manual training. In most cases groups behave very well, but if the behaviour of children travelling unaccompanied is unacceptable, we may require that an adult travels on the bus with the children. We may decline to carry the child/children if the bad behaviour is serious enough. In all instances the school concerned will be notified of any bad behaviour.
How do we deal with bad or bullying behaviour on school and charters buses?
This type of behaviour is not acceptable so please let us know if bullying occurs.
In the first instance the driver will ask the student/s bullying others to stop and in some cases may request that the student/s get off the bus. The student/s will be asked to give a name and the driver will report the behaviour on returning to the depot. The Principal of the school will be informed and requested to take the appropriate disciplinary action with the student. The Principal will also advise parents/caregivers that the student's access to school transport is in jeopardy.
If the behaviour continues the student may be banned from the bus.
In extreme cases the driver will stop the bus and immediately contact the Police.
