First Ride event helps kids get comfortable riding school buses

Seeing that big yellow school bus pull up in front of your house and getting on board all alone can be a nerve-wracking experience for kids.

That’s why Regina Public Schools and Regina Catholic Schools offer their annual First Ride event.

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“First Ride has become a bit of an annual exciting event that we have,” said Twylla West, with Regina Catholic Schools.

“We get together and give kids a chance to take their first ride. A lot of them are a little nervous to get going, and the moms and dads are even more nervous, so giving them a chance to do this ahead of time (and) learn some safety rules is just a great way to start the school year.”

The event was held at Martin Collegiate on Tuesday.

Children learned how to get on and off a bus, and how to cross the street safely, in an effort to reduce anxiety on the first day of school. (Kaleb Sebastian/980 CJME)

“We just wanted to give kids that first time, ahead of time. When we’re not dealing with deadlines. When they’re not in a rush,” said West.

“It can feel really overwhelming.”

The event on Tuesday was well attended, and offered two time slots for parents and kids to get comfortable with the school bus.

“It started out a little smaller, but we’ve seen a few hundred every year since then,” said West.

“It’s really exciting, and we’re glad people are excited to come out.”

Terry Lazarou, with Regina Public Schools, said there’s no hard data showing that the event reduces accidents or close calls, but it does help students learn what to expect the first time they take the bus.

“Students and their parents get a good idea of what to expect, how to prepare, how to get on and off the bus, how to be safe in school zones. And while there’s no evidence of this helping, it helps them understand what to expect, and that is good news for everybody,” said Lazarou.

“Parents have a lot to think about, especially as school’s about to begin. Parents of kids who are just going in to school have even more to think about, and a lot of anxiety, and this is one event that sort of takes a little bit of the pressure off them.”

Lazarou said he hopes the event gives parents “a little bit of peace of mind that both school divisions are doing everything they can to make their little ones comfortable.”

Although the two divisions have different bus routes and structural differences, Lazarou said the two bus systems have the same end goal in mind.

“Get the kids to and from school safely.”