What’s the safest way to get to school and back home? Answer: the school bus.
Every day, more than 70,000 students ride one of Cobb’s 1,000+ big yellow buses. With one of the largest school bus fleets in the U.S., the Cobb Schools Transportation team is committed to more than just driving—they’re safeguarding the future, one student at a time.
Whether your student rides the bus, walks, or arrives by car, there are important steps families can take to start the year safely. Use the checklists and tips below to help your student arrive and return home safely, no matter how they get to school.
🚌 Bus Riders
Cobb’s bus drivers are trained to prioritize student safety, and families can help reinforce safe riding habits with these tips:
1. Find Your Bus Route
- Use the Cobb Schools Bus Route Finder to locate your child’s 2024-2025 bus route.
- Enter your address and select the student’s grade.
- Verify your bus and stop information ahead of the start of school.
- Note: Special Education students should not use the bus route finder. A transportation employee will contact you with bus stop information, or you can visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for more details.
2. Download the Here Comes the Bus App
- Track your bus arrival and departure daily.
- Register for your secure login at the Here Comes the Bus website using the CCSD school code 87881.
- Download the free HCTB App from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
3. Arrive on Time
- Ensure students are at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled bus arrival time.
4. Adjust for Potential Delays
- As the community adjusts to new schedules and traffic patterns during the first two weeks of school, buses may be late to stops, and there could be delays in loading and unloading students, which makes the Here Comes the Bus App all the more critical.
5. Don’t Forget Water
- Water is allowed on buses during August and September. Students may bring water in containers with a screw-on lid.
6. Plan for Emergencies
- Ensure your child knows what to do in case they miss the bus or if there are unexpected changes in the schedule.
- Some families choose different transportation options for early dismissals.
7. Understand the Yellow Tag System
- A yellow tag will be issued to students eight years old or younger.
- Attach it to your child’s book bag’s top strap.
- Do not write on or remove the tag.
8. Join the Kindergarten/First-Grade Ride-Along on July 31
- Participate in the ride-along on Thursday, July 31.
- Parents can join their young learners on the ride to school and back home.
- Bus pick-ups will follow the same morning route at the scheduled stop and pick-up time as the first day of school.
9. Review Transportation FAQs
- Find answers to other Frequently Asked Questions related to bus transportation on the Cobb Schools website.
10. Listen to the Inside Scoop Podcast
- Learn more about transportation, buses, and Cobb Schools by tuning into the Inside Scoop Podcast.
11. Contact Cobb Schools Transportation with Additional Questions
- Call: 678-594-8000
- Email: Your Transportation Area Supervisor (emails available on the Cobb Schools Transportation website).
12. Review More Bus Safety Tips:
- Never approach the bus until it comes to a complete stop, the doors open, and the driver says it’s okay to get on or off.
- Use handrails when boarding and exiting the bus.
- Stay seated, facing forward, with belongings in your lap.
- Talk quietly and follow the driver’s instructions.
- Cross the street in front of the bus, at least ten feet — five giant steps — in front of the bus before crossing. Make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to make sure the driver can see you before crossing to avoid the danger zone.
- Learn more at NHTSA School Bus Safety.
Hop on board! Our bus drivers can’t wait to see Cobb students again!
🚶 Safety Tips for Walkers
- Use sidewalks or pathways when possible.
- Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic (on the left) and ride bicycles on the right.
- Always stop and look left, right, and left again before crossing. Watch for turning cars.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways.
- Everyone should watch the road, not their phones.
- Wear bright colors or reflective gear, especially in low light.
- Walk with friends or a trusted adult whenever possible.
- Parents: Walk the route with your child ahead of the first day.
- Learn more at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
🚗 Safety Tips for Car Riders
- Know your school’s drop-off and pick-up guidelines.
- Always drop off and pick up students in designated areas.
- Never pass other cars in the carpool line.
- Buckle up—everyone, every ride.
- Avoid distractions—no phone use in carpool zones.
- Watch out for walkers.
🚘 Driver Safety: Share the Road this School Year
Even if you don’t have children in school, you’ll be sharing the road with them. Please help us keep students safe.
- Slow down in school zones—obey posted speed limits
- Be on alert for students walking, biking, or waiting at bus stops
- Stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights or extends its stop arm
- Yellow flashing lights mean the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop.
- Avoid distracted driving. Put the phone down.
- Expect delays during school start and dismissal times—plan ahead
- Follow all crossing guard directions and traffic signs
