Bus Safety for Families: Essential Tips to Keep Kids Safe On and Around Buses

Whether it’s the daily school run, a trip to Bondi Beach or a family outing into the city, buses are part of everyday life for thousands of Sydney families. But knowing how to stay safe around these large vehicles is something every parent should teach their children.

From the iconic 333 Bondi Beach bus to local school buses and public transport services across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, buses help families get where they need to go. They’re convenient, affordable and an important part of helping children become more independent as they grow older.

However, buses are large, heavy vehicles that cannot stop or manoeuvre as quickly as cars. Their size also creates blind spots, making it especially important for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and passengers to understand how to stay safe.

The good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference. Whether your child is catching the bus with you or beginning to travel independently, bus safety starts with awareness, patience and good road sense.

Why bus safety matters

Every day, buses share busy Sydney roads with cars, bicycles, motorcycles and pedestrians. Around schools, shopping centres and transport interchanges, these interactions become particularly important.

Historical NSW road safety figures show that in the five years to June 2020, 34 people lost their lives in crashes involving buses, including 15 pedestrians. A further 362 people were seriously injured.

While these figures relate to an earlier reporting period, they highlight why bus safety remains an important issue for families and road users.

The key message from Transport for NSW’s Be Bus Aware campaign is simple: everyone has a part to play in keeping our roads safe.

Bus safety tips every parent should teach their children

Parents and carers can help by introducing safe habits early and reinforcing them regularly.

1. Always wait safely at the bus stop

Teach children to stand well back from the kerb while waiting for the bus. Running towards an approaching bus or pushing forward before it stops can be dangerous.

Encourage children to wait patiently, keep bags close and allow passengers to get off before boarding.

2. Never cross directly in front of or behind a bus

One of the most important rules for children is to wait until the bus has driven away before crossing the road.

A stationary bus can block a child’s view of approaching traffic, while drivers may not see someone stepping out from behind it.

Children should always use a safe crossing location and follow pedestrian signals where available.

3. Meet children on the same side of the road

If you’re collecting your child from a school bus or public bus stop, always wait on the same side of the road.

Never stand across the street and call your child over. Excited children may run towards a parent without checking for traffic.

4. Hold younger children’s hands

Parents and carers should actively supervise children near roads and hold their hands when walking to and from bus stops and crossing roads until they are at least 10 years old. Children may need close supervision beyond this age, depending on their experience and abilities.

5. Teach children not to rush

Missing a bus can be frustrating, particularly when you’re running late for school or an appointment.

But chasing a departing bus, running across the road or stepping into traffic is never worth the risk.

Teach children that if they miss the bus, they should wait safely for the next one or contact a trusted adult if they need help.

Staying safe while travelling on the bus

Once everyone is on board, there are a few additional rules worth remembering.

Encourage children to find a seat promptly and remain seated throughout the journey whenever possible.

If the bus has seatbelts, they should be worn correctly. On buses without seatbelts, children should hold securely onto a handrail if they need to stand.

Passengers should also:

• Keep bags, prams and other belongings clear of aisles and doorways.

• Avoid distracting the driver.

• Press the stop button with plenty of time for the driver to stop safely.

• Wait until the bus has stopped before standing up to leave.

• Exit carefully and move away from the doors.

For parents travelling with babies or toddlers, check the bus operator’s guidance on pram positioning and securing. Use designated spaces where available and make sure the pram cannot roll or tip during the journey.

Teaching older children to catch the bus independently

As children move into their later primary school years and high school, catching public transport independently can become an important milestone.

For many Eastern Suburbs families, travelling by bus is part of the transition towards greater independence.

Before allowing children to travel alone, parents should make sure they understand their route, recognise their stop and know what to do if something unexpected happens.

Practising the journey together several times can help build confidence.

It’s also worth discussing what to do if the bus is late, they miss their stop, their phone battery runs out or they feel uncomfortable during the journey.

Children should know they can ask the bus driver for assistance when needed and contact a parent or trusted adult if plans change.

Most importantly, they should understand that arriving safely is always more important than arriving on time.

Drivers: Take extra care around buses

Bus safety isn’t only about passengers and pedestrians. Motorists also play an important role in preventing accidents.

Because buses are significantly larger and heavier than cars, they need more space to brake, turn and merge.

When driving near buses, remember to:

• Give buses sufficient room to turn and manoeuvre.

• Avoid cutting closely in front of a bus.

• Maintain a safe following distance.

• Watch for passengers getting on and off.

• Follow applicable give-way rules when buses are leaving stops.

• Slow to 40 km/h when passing a bus displaying flashing warning lights, as required under NSW road rules.

The last point is especially important around school buses, where children may be crossing roads or moving between parked vehicles.

Cyclists and motorcycle riders: Be aware of blind spots

Buses have large blind spots, particularly along their sides and around the rear of the vehicle.

Cyclists and motorcycle riders should avoid travelling alongside a bus when it is turning, as the bus may need to use more than one lane.

Always leave plenty of room, anticipate changes in direction and avoid assuming the driver has seen you.

Cyclists should also remember that different road lanes have different rules. In NSW, bicycle riders can generally use bus lanes but not lanes marked Bus Only, unless signs or road rules specifically permit it.

A safer school run starts with everyone

School pick-up and drop-off periods can be among the busiest times on local roads.

Children may be excited, distracted or rushing to meet friends. Parents may be juggling younger siblings, work commitments and parking.

Taking a little extra time around schools and bus stops can help keep everyone safe.

For families who regularly drive near schools, it’s worth remembering that children don’t always behave predictably around traffic.

Slowing down, watching carefully and being prepared to stop are simple ways to reduce the risk of an accident.

Make bus safety a conversation with your kids

Road safety education doesn’t have to be complicated or frightening. In fact, some of the most effective lessons happen during everyday family activities.

The next time you’re waiting for a bus, use the opportunity to ask your child where they think the safest place to stand is, why they should wait before crossing the road, or what they would do if they missed their stop.

These small conversations help children develop awareness and confidence.

For younger children, the Safety Town website offers interactive activities and educational resources designed to teach road safety.

Parents can also explore Transport for NSW’s Bus Safety for School Students guide for practical advice about getting to and from school safely.

Keeping our Eastern Suburbs families safe

From the busy streets of Bondi Junction to the school bus stops of Randwick, Maroubra, Coogee and surrounding suburbs, buses are an essential part of our community.

They connect children with schools, families with local attractions and neighbourhoods with the wider city.

And while bus travel is a familiar part of everyday life, it’s important not to become complacent.

Whether you’re a parent holding a toddler’s hand, a teenager catching the bus to school, a cyclist sharing the road or a driver passing a bus stop, taking a moment to be bus aware can make all the difference.

Because when it comes to road safety, we all have a part to play.