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DPS offer RTA bus lessons to HS students amid transit changes

DPS Partners with RTA to Launch Comprehensive Bus Riding Lessons for Students

In a proactive move to enhance student safety and promote independent mobility, Dayton Public Schools (DPS) has teamed up with the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) to introduce a new educational program focused on bus riding lessons. This initiative, announced earlier this week, aims to equip students with essential skills for navigating public transportation, addressing a growing need in urban areas where many families rely on buses for daily commutes. The program is set to roll out across various DPS campuses starting this fall, with the goal of fostering confidence, responsibility, and safety awareness among young riders.

The collaboration comes at a time when public transit usage among school-aged children is on the rise, particularly in communities like Dayton where economic factors and urban sprawl make personal vehicles less accessible for some families. According to DPS officials, a significant portion of their student body—estimated at over 40%—depends on RTA buses to get to and from school, extracurricular activities, and even part-time jobs. However, incidents of confusion, minor accidents, and behavioral issues on buses have highlighted the need for structured education. "We've seen too many cases where students aren't fully prepared for the realities of riding public transit," said DPS Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Lolli in a recent press conference. "This program isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about building life skills that will serve our kids well into adulthood."

The bus lessons are designed as an interactive curriculum integrated into the school day, targeting students from middle school through high school, though elementary students may participate in age-appropriate modules. Each session lasts about 45 minutes and is led by a combination of RTA safety instructors and DPS educators. The curriculum covers a wide array of topics to ensure comprehensive understanding. First and foremost, safety protocols are emphasized: students learn how to board and exit buses safely, the importance of staying seated, using handrails, and recognizing emergency exits. Instructors demonstrate proper signaling for stops and explain the role of bus drivers in maintaining order.

Beyond basic safety, the lessons delve into etiquette and social responsibility. Participants are taught about respecting fellow passengers, including giving priority seating to the elderly, disabled individuals, or those with young children. Noise levels, littering, and appropriate behavior in crowded spaces are discussed, with role-playing exercises to simulate real-world scenarios. For instance, students might practice handling a situation where a bus is delayed or rerouted, learning to stay calm and communicate effectively with the driver.

Navigation skills form another core component, addressing a common challenge for first-time riders. Using RTA's mobile app and physical maps, students are instructed on how to plan routes, read schedules, and understand fare systems. This includes lessons on purchasing tickets, using reloadable cards, and even budgeting for transit costs. In an era of digital integration, the program incorporates technology education, such as tracking bus locations in real-time via GPS apps. "Many of our students are digital natives, but they might not know how to apply that to something practical like transit," noted RTA Community Outreach Coordinator Maria Gonzalez. "We're bridging that gap by showing them tools that make riding the bus efficient and stress-free."

To make the learning experience engaging, the program includes hands-on field trips. Groups of students board actual RTA buses for supervised rides, applying what they've learned in a controlled environment. These excursions often start at school campuses and loop through key city routes, allowing participants to practice identifying landmarks, stops, and transfer points. Feedback from pilot sessions conducted last spring has been overwhelmingly positive. One high school junior, Jamal Thompson, shared his experience: "I used to be nervous about taking the bus alone because I didn't know what to do if something went wrong. Now, I feel like I can handle it. It's empowering."

The initiative also addresses broader community benefits. By educating young riders, DPS and RTA hope to reduce incidents on buses, improve overall ridership efficiency, and encourage sustainable transportation habits. Environmental awareness is woven into the lessons, with discussions on how public transit reduces carbon emissions compared to individual car use. This aligns with Dayton's ongoing efforts to promote green initiatives, as the city aims to cut transportation-related pollution by 20% in the next decade. Moreover, the program fosters inclusivity by including modules on accessibility for students with disabilities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can navigate the system confidently.

Funding for the program comes from a mix of sources, including grants from the Ohio Department of Transportation and contributions from local businesses that see value in a more transit-savvy workforce. DPS has allocated resources to train teachers as program facilitators, ensuring sustainability beyond the initial rollout. Plans are in place to expand the curriculum to include parent workshops, recognizing that family involvement is key to reinforcing these lessons at home. "Parents often worry about their children's safety on public transport," said Gonzalez. "By involving them, we're creating a support network that extends beyond the classroom."

Challenges, of course, exist. Scheduling conflicts in already packed school days and varying student interest levels are potential hurdles. To counter this, DPS is offering incentives like extra credit or certificates of completion that can be added to college applications. Additionally, RTA is providing discounted fares for program participants during practice rides, making it more accessible for low-income families.

Looking ahead, the partnership between DPS and RTA could serve as a model for other districts across Ohio and beyond. Similar programs have succeeded in cities like Cleveland and Columbus, where transit education has led to measurable decreases in youth-related bus incidents—down by as much as 15% in some areas. Dayton's version is tailored to local needs, incorporating feedback from community surveys that highlighted issues like route reliability in underserved neighborhoods.

Student testimonials underscore the program's potential impact. Sophia Ramirez, a sophomore at Thurgood Marshall High School, recounted how the lessons changed her perspective: "I live in a part of town where the bus is the only way to get around. Before this, I avoided it because I didn't understand the system. Now, I can go to the library or meet friends without asking for a ride. It's given me independence."

Educators echo this sentiment. Principal Karen Mitchell of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School praised the initiative for its holistic approach: "It's not just about transportation; it's about life readiness. Our students are learning responsibility, time management, and empathy—all through the lens of something as everyday as riding a bus."

As the program launches, DPS and RTA are monitoring its progress through pre- and post-assessments to gauge knowledge retention and behavioral changes. Early indicators suggest high engagement, with over 80% of pilot participants reporting increased confidence in using public transit. If successful, expansions could include advanced modules on multi-modal transport, such as combining bus rides with biking or walking.

In essence, this collaboration represents a forward-thinking investment in Dayton's youth. By demystifying public transportation, DPS and RTA are not only enhancing immediate safety but also paving the way for a more connected, self-reliant generation. As urban areas continue to grow, initiatives like this highlight the importance of education in everyday infrastructure, ensuring that no student is left behind—literally or figuratively—when it comes to getting where they need to go.

This program underscores a broader shift toward community-driven education, where schools partner with local agencies to address real-world challenges. In Dayton, where public transit is a lifeline for many, these bus lessons could very well steer students toward brighter, more independent futures. With continued support and adaptation, the initiative promises to make a lasting difference in how young people interact with their city's transportation network. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full WDTN Dayton Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/dps-offer-rta-bus-lessons-212358784.html ]