Transportation

The Wilkinsburg School District’s primary goal is to transport all students who ride a bus safely to and from school. Student behavior while entering, riding, and leaving the bus contributes to safe transportation.

The primary purpose of rules and regulations on the buses is for the safety of all students. Your child’s cooperation in obeying these rules and regulations is appreciated.

The Transportation Department is responsible for arranging bus transportation for students who attend Kelly Primary, Turner Intermediate, and Westinghouse Middle and High Schools who are residents within the Wilkinsburg Borough. We also provide Port Authority Connect Cards for students who are Wilkinsburg residents attending Private, Parochial, Charter schools, and Pittsburgh Public Magnet Schools located within a 10-mile radius of the borough’s lines.

REMEMBER BUS TRANSPORTATION IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT!

Transportation Company Information

Wilkinsburg School District partners with AJ Myers & Sons to provide safe and reliable transportation for our students. While we strive for on-time pickups and drop-offs each day, delays can sometimes happen due to weather or traffic.

If your child's bus is running late or does not arrive, please contact the bus company directly at 412-646-2320.

If you still have questions after speaking with the garage staff, you can contact our Transportation Department at 412-871-2107 or email Diane Ionadi at [email protected].

Student Conduct on School Buses

Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right, and all students are expected to follow the same behavior standard as in the classroom. School buses are an extension of the classroom, and students must follow the Student Code of Conduct while riding.

Unacceptable Behaviors

The following actions are not allowed on the bus and may lead to disciplinary action:

Disobeying or being disrespectful to the driver
Standing or moving while the bus is in motion
Putting hands, arms, or head out the windows
Throwing objects out of the windows
Using tobacco products or vaping
Fighting, roughhousing, or scuffling
Using obscene or inappropriate language
Littering or disturbing other passengers
Eating or drinking on the bus
Tampering with the bus or equipment
Possessing or being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or look-alike substances.

Bus Discipline Process

Discipline will depend on the seriousness of the behavior. Serious incidents such as fighting may result in immediate removal from the bus or school. In most cases, the following progressive steps will be followed:

First Offense: A conduct report is sent to the principal. The student receives a warning, and a copy is sent home to the parent or guardian.
Second Offense: Another conduct report is filed. The student is moved to the front of the bus and receives another warning. A copy of the report is sent home.
Third Offense: The student loses bus privileges for five (5) school days. The principal will notify the parent or guardian.
Fourth Offense: The student loses bus privileges for ten (10) school days. The principal will notify the parent or guardian.
Fifth Offense or Serious Misconduct: The student may lose bus privileges for the rest of the school year or a time determined appropriate. The parent or guardian will be notified.

Please note: If a student is removed from the bus, families are responsible for arranging transportation to and from school.

Bus Safety Tips

Arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes early.
Stay on the sidewalk or at the curb - never on the road.
Stay off private property.
Wait in a quiet, orderly line away from traffic.
Be respectful and alert while waiting.

Waiting for the Bus

Stay in a single line and stay clear of the street.
Wait until the bus has completely stopped and traffic has cleared before crossing.
Never chase the bus if it has already left.
Do not push or shove when getting on or off the bus.

While on the Bus

Make eye contact with the driver and wait for their signal before boarding.
Board the bus one at a time, staying out of the danger zone (the area close to the wheels).
Stay seated at all times and keep aisles clear.
Keep hands, feet, and belongings inside the bus.
Speak quietly and avoid distracting the driver.
No eating, drinking, smoking, or using foul language.
Do not bring unsafe items, weapons, or vandalize the bus.
Criminal behavior may be reported to law enforcement.

Getting Off the Bus

Stay seated until the bus has come to a complete stop.
Exit in a calm and orderly manner.
Get off only at your assigned stop.
Always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you.

Reminder for Drivers: It is illegal for any vehicle to pass a school bus while its red lights are flashing.

Transportation FAQs

Will all students be provided with busing, no matter how close they live to school?

No. Only students in grades K-6 who live more than 0.7 miles from Kelly Primary or Turner Intermediate will receive school bus transportation. Students who live closer are considered walkers.

What about Wilkinsburg students in grades 7-12 attending Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS)?

Students attending Westinghouse High School will be assigned a school bus by the Wilkinsburg School District.

Students attending charter school will receive Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Connect Cards or daily trip tickets to use during the entire school year, as long as they attend in person.

Private and parochial school students will also receive PRT Connect Cards for transportation.

When will I get my child's bus information?

Bus information will be shared two weeks before the first day of school.

The bus drives right past my house - why doesn't it stop there?

To keep routes safe and efficient, bus stops are placed at central locations, usually at intersections where drivers are more likely to be alert. We limit the number of stops to reduce ride times and avoid unnecessary delays. Stopping at every house would make the route longer and could create unsafe traffic situations.

I think the walk to the bus stop is too far for my child. Can it be moved closer?

According to Pennsylvania law, students may be asked to walk up to 1.5 miles to a bus stop. However, in Wilkinsburg, the average walk is less than 1/4 mile, and no student has to walk more than 1.5 miles. Bus stops are not changed based on walking distance alone.

We just moved to Wilkinsburg. My child goes to a charter school. Will they get transportation?

Yes, if we're transporting our own students, we also provide transportation assistance for charter, private, and parochial school students. Your child will receive a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Connect Card with unlimited rides on school days.

If your child attends Propel (Pre-K through 5th Grade), Propel provides its own buses for Wilkinsburg residents. Please contact Propel's transportation department for details.