POLICY FOR SCHOOL TRANSPORT SERVICE

Parents/guardians and students using the school transport service must adhere to the following terms and conditions:

1. Application Process:
   1. Parents and Students must submit school transport service applications exclusively through Desalite Connect only.
   2. School transport service is subject to seat availability and assigned routes.
2. Fee Structure & Payments:
   1. The transport fee is applicable and charged for 12 months in an academic year, divided into four quarters. This fee encompasses all holidays and vacations designated by the school, as well as any leaves taken by students.
   2. Fees once paid are non-refundable, including cases of lockdowns, curfews, or bandhs.
   3. Quarterly transport fees must be paid in full as per the school's payment schedule.
   4. The first quarterly transport fee must be paid in advance to confirm the student's access to the transport service.
   5. The remaining quarterly transport fees must be paid in the first week of the quarter i.e. the second quarterly fee must be paid during the first week of July.
   6. Late fee of ₹500 will be imposed for delayed payments. Specifically, payment for the second quarter must be completed by the end of July. Any payment made after 30th of September will incur a late fee of ₹500 for that quarter.
   7. Upon enrollment in the school transport service, a student is obligated to utilize and remit payment for the service for the duration of the entire academic session.
   8. Students enrolled in classes X and XII are not permitted to discontinue the school transport service during the final quarter of the academic year, citing non-utilization of the service as a reason. It is mandatory for students to pay for all the four transport quarterly fees.
   9. In the event of a transfer or discontinuation from the school, parents must pay the full quarterly transport fee for the quarter in which the service was utilized. For example, if transportation services are used until August, the fee for the entire second quarter (July to September) must be paid.

   Quarter	Period
   First Quarter	April - June
   Second Quarter	July - September
   Third Quarter	October - December
   Fourth Quarter	January - March

3. Service Rules of School Transport:
   1. The travel time may vary depending on the number of students on the route and traffic conditions.
   2. The school reserves the right to modify routes, schedules, and stops if necessary which shall be communicated to transport users through official channels.
   3. If the number of registered students for a route is insufficient, the bus service for that route may be discontinued.
   4. The availability of seats depends on bus capacity, and the school reserves the right to refuse transport service to any individual without providing a specific reason.
   5. The school buses shall not travel through by-lanes.
   6. Parents, guardians, and unauthorized persons are not allowed to use the school transport service.
   7. Buses will operate once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Additional bus services will not be provided for individual classes during examinations or at any other time.
4. Pick-up & Drop-off Procedure:
   1. Students must be ready at their designated pick-up points at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time. The bus will not wait for students beyond the allotted time.
   2. Parents/guardians must ensure that a responsible adult is present at the drop-off point, especially for younger students.
   3. Every effort shall be made to hand over the child to the parent/guardian during drop-off. However, if no guardian is available, the child shall be brought back to the school, and parents must collect them from there.
   4. The transport service is solely responsible for pick-up and drop-off at designated stops. Parents are accountable for their child's safety before boarding and after disembarking from the bus.
   5. School personnel shall not assist children in crossing roads.
   6. For transport users, the pick-up point and drop-off point shall be the same, and they must use the same assigned bus for both journeys.
5. Safety Procedure:
   1. GPS trackers are installed in school buses for safety, and access to tracking information is provided to parents.
   2. All school buses are equipped with CCTV surveillance for safety and monitoring purposes with access restricted to the school authorities. Additionally, a first aid box is available on board for emergencies.
6. Delays, Technical Glitches & Unforeseen Circumstances:
   1. The school shall not be held responsible for delays caused by traffic congestion, road repairs, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, while GPS trackers are installed for safety, there may be technical glitches, and the school shall not be liable for any disruptions in GPS tracking services.
   2. The school takes all necessary precautions for student safety but is not liable for any unforeseen incidents.
7. Liability & Indemnity:
   1. Parents/guardians shall be responsible for covering any damages caused by the student to school transport property.
   2. Parents/guardians must agree to indemnify the school from any claims arising from non-compliance with transport rules.
8. Changes in Transport Arrangements:
   1. Leave Notification: If a student is on leave or will not be taking the return trip on a given day, parents must notify the Bus Staff or School Administration in advance.
   2. Address change: Should a student's residence change during the academic year, the continuation of bus service will depend on the availability of seats on the new route. The transport fee for the new route will apply. Any remaining transport fees, if applicable, will be adjusted in the following quarterly fees.
   3. Change in Emergency Contact details: Parents shall provide emergency contact details and update them when necessary through 'Contact the School' in Desalite Connect.
9. Code of Conduct:
   1. Students must follow the instructions of the bus staff and maintain discipline and decorum inside the bus. Violations of bus service guidelines shall lead to disciplinary action by the School Behavioral Management Committee.
   2. While all efforts are made to ensure student safety, the school shall not responsible if a transport availing student leaves the school campus on their own.
   3. Parents, guardians, and students must always treat bus staff with respect and refrain from any form of misbehavior.
   4. Violations of transport policy and guidelines shall be addressed by the School Behavioural Management Committee and all decisions made by the Committee shall be final and binding.
10. Termination of Transport Services:
    1. The school reserves the right to withdraw the transport service in case of misconduct, non-payment, or operational constraints.
    2. Repeated or extreme violation of transport rules, damage to transport property may result in suspension or termination of transport privileges.
    3. The following acts may result in denial of the privilege to ride the bus and shall lead to disciplinary action:
       1. Profanity in school buses.
       2. Fighting or other aggressive physical behavior.
       3. Smoking or the use of any intoxicating substances.
       4. Any unnecessary distractions to the bus staff that may compromise safety of other students.
       5. Destruction of bus property (restitution will be the parent's(s')/legal guardian's(s') financial responsibility).
       6. Violation of transport rules and safety guidelines.
       7. Any act not explicitly mentioned above but that disrupts the safety, discipline, or orderly transportation of students shall be subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the School Behavioural Management Committee.
11. Communication regarding school transport service:
    1. All communication regarding school transport, including route changes, delays, disciplinary actions, or any important updates, will be conveyed to parents through official school communication channels such as Desalite Connect and official Whatsapp groups.
    2. Parents are encouraged to regularly check these platforms for updates and ensure their contact details are up to date with the school administration.
    3. Any grievances regarding the school transport service should be communicated by parents and students through the 'Contact the School' portal of Desalite Connect.

By availing of the school transport service, parents/guardians and students agree to abide by the terms and conditions of school transport service.

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QUARTERLY BUS FEES AND ROUTES

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GUIDELINES FOR THE PARENTS AND STUDENTS AVAILING SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

The school emphasizes that the school bus is an extension of the classroom, and as such, students are expected to maintain appropriate conduct at all times while traveling. To support this, safety awareness should begin at home and be reinforced consistently. Here are several key points suggested for parents and students:

1. General Instructions:
   1. Parents are requested to make transport quarterly payment within the specified time frame for smooth operation of the transport service.
   2. Parents and students availing school transport facility are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the school's transport policies and procedures. This includes knowing the bus number and keeping the contact information of the Bus Attendant and School Administration readily accessible. This ensures prompt communication in case of any issues or emergencies related to the school transport.
   3. Students are required to arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time.
   4. Daily attendance shall be taken by the school bus staff for all students.
   5. Only students who are officially registered for the school transport service are permitted to use the bus for travel to and from school.
2. Discipline and Decorum:
   1. Students must be courteous to fellow students, the driver and the bus attendants.
   2. Students must always follow and comply with the instructions of the driver and bus attendants.
   3. Use of profanity, shouting, or unruly behavior, bullying or harassment is strictly prohibited.
   4. Students must refrain from loud talking or shouting, as it may distract the driver. Maintaining a calm and respectful atmosphere on the bus is mandatory at all times.
   5. Students must adhere to the school's dress code while using school transport, if applicable.
   6. Students are required to carry their school ID at all times when boarding and deboarding the bus.
   7. Students are expected to maintain a clean and tidy environment on the school bus. Students must refrain from littering inside the bus. This includes not throwing any wrappers, food, or personal items on the floor or seats.
   8. Students should make use of designated trash bins located on the bus whenever available. If there are no trash bins available, students are encouraged to keep their waste with them until they can dispose of it properly at home or in designated areas after exiting the bus.
   9. Students must clean up any spills immediately after eating or drinking to maintain cleanliness on the bus.
3. Safety and Security Measures:
   1. Students must wait in a disciplined manner at their designated bus stops and board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop. They should board without rushing or pushing others and disembark only at their designated destination.
   2. Students must remain at a safe distance from the road while waiting for the bus and refrain from running or playing near traffic.
   3. Students must use the handrails while boarding or alighting from the bus to ensure their safety and prevent accidents.
   4. Students must board and disembark the bus in an orderly manner.
   5. Students must remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion and ensure that aisles are kept clear to avoid any obstruction.
   6. Students are strictly prohibited from occupying the driver's seat at any time.
   7. Hands, heads, and belongings must not be extended outside the bus windows.
   8. Smoking, consumption of intoxicants, or carrying hazardous items (sharp objects/flammable materials etc.) is strictly prohibited.
   9. In case of an emergency, students must follow the instructions of the bus staff calmly.
   10. The emergency door and emergency windows should be used ONLY in case of an emergency.
   11. Tampering with bus equipment or causing damage to the vehicle is prohibited; any damage caused will be charged to the parents/guardians.
   12. Students must ensure that their bags and personal belongings are securely placed on their lap or under the seat to prevent loss or obstruction.
   13. Parents should warn their children about the potential danger posed by strangers who may appear friendly and linger around bus stops.
   14. Parents must explicitly instruct their children that they are not to leave the school premises with friends, relatives, or any other person without first informing the Lady Bus Attendant assigned to their bus route.
   15. In the event that a student will be absent from school, parents are requested to inform the Lady Bus Attendant at least one day in advance or prior to the scheduled bus arrival time. This advance notice is essential for maintaining an efficient and organized school transportation system.
   16. If a student is taking a half-day leave i.e. takes early exit from school, parents are requested to inform the Lady Bus Attendant of the specific bus before the student leaves the school. This ensures proper coordination for the transportation process.

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GUIDELINES FOR THE SCHOOL TRANSPORT SERVICE

1. All school buses must be painted yellow for easy identification.
2. The term "School Bus" must be clearly displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
3. The Vehicle Registration Number must be painted in black and be clearly visible.
4. The Bus Number must be printed on both the front and back of the bus.
5. The name of the school along with its contact details must be displayed on the vehicle.
6. School buses must be equipped with:
   1. GPS tracking system for real-time monitoring.
   2. Operational CCTV cameras for safety and security.
   3. Speed monitors to ensure compliance with speed regulations.
7. Each school bus must be fitted with an emergency alarm and siren for prompt alerts in case of emergencies.
8. Every bus must have a First Aid Kit and a Fire Extinguisher readily available inside the vehicle.
9. A well-trained lady attendant must be present inside the school bus at all times.
10. Each bus must have at least two emergency exits for safe evacuation if required.
11. The bus driver must ensure that the vehicle is not overloaded and must immediately inform the school administration if the bus exceeds its capacity.

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GUIDELINES FOR THE BUS DRIVERS AND BUS ATTENDANTS

1. Licensing & Identification:
   1. On duty bus drivers must carry a valid Driver's License.
   2. All bus staff must carry the school-issued ID card at all times during duty hours.
2. Speed Limit & Road Safety:
   1. Drivers must not exceed the speed limit of 40 km/hr at any time.
   2. Drivers must wear seat belts at all times while operating the vehicle.
3. Uniform & Personal Appearance:
   1. All bus staff must wear the school-provided uniform while on duty.
   2. Personal appearance must be maintained in a neat and professional manner.
4. Code of Conduct:
   1. Smoking is strictly prohibited on the school bus, regardless of whether students are on board.
   2. Drivers must not operate the bus under the influence of liquor or debilitating drugs.
   3. Profane or inappropriate language is not permitted during bus operations.
5. Medical Tests & Training:
   1. Drivers must undergo a compulsory annual medical test.
   2. Participation in school-organized training programs for safe transportation is mandatory.
6. Vehicle Maintenance & Inspections:
   1. Bus Staff is responsible for ensuring that the bus is cleaned thoroughly on a daily basis.
   2. Drivers must inspect their assigned vehicles regularly and perform routine maintenance checks.
   3. Any detected defects or mechanical issues must be reported to the School Administration immediately.
   4. Drivers must ensure the bus remains in good repair and a safe operating condition at all times.
7. Route Compliance & Scheduling:
   1. Drivers must keep an up-to-date route schedule in the bus at all times.
   2. Any changes to bus routes or stop locations must be approved by the School Administration.
   3. If the bus arrives early at a stop, the driver must wait until the designated time. In such cases, the Lady Bus Attendant may contact the parent if necessary.
8. Student Safety & Assistance:
   1. Bus Attendants must assist students boarding and alighting if they face any difficulties.
   2. Bus staff must ensure only registered transport users are allowed on the bus.
   3. The Lady Bus Attendant shall mark attendance of students using school transport.
9. Post-Trip Checks & Reporting:
   1. After each trip, the bus staff must check the vehicle for lost belongings, damages, or any unattended students.
   2. Any misconduct by students must be reported to the Transport-in-Charge immediately.
10. Restrictions on Bus Usage:
    1. Non-transport students or parents are not allowed to board the school bus.
    2. The bus must not be refueled while students are on board.
    3. Bus drivers are not allowed to pick up unauthorized passengers.
11. CCTV & Surveillance Compliance:
    1. Bus staff must not switch off or tamper with the CCTV camera installed in the bus. Strict action will be taken against any driver found violating this rule.

Below is the scheduled Roaster for washing the buses: