The 32nd annual First Rider program commenced at Confederation College in Thunder Bay on August 26, 2023, welcoming almost 400 children eager to experience their first school bus ride. This initiative, which has been running since 1994, aims to familiarize young students with the school bus environment before they embark on their first day of school.
According to Craig Murphy, Manager of Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay, the program is witnessing a resurgence in participation following significant declines during the pandemic. “We are very happy to be able to continue this tradition. It has seen generational movements through the program, which is fantastic,” Murphy stated. He noted that this year’s attendance marks one of the largest since the pandemic, with numbers inching back towards pre-pandemic levels of 450 to 500 participants.
Program Details and Impact
The First Rider program allows children and their parents to explore the school bus and learn about safety protocols before the school year begins. Children participate in a short bus ride around the college campus, guided by instructors who teach them essential safety tips. Murphy emphasized that this experience aims to alleviate any apprehensions children might have on their first bus ride to school.
“It’s very important that we give that opportunity, and we want their bus ride to be as enjoyable as possible,” Murphy explained. “When they jump off the bus, all smiles into their mother or father’s arms, it tells us that it’s worthwhile.”
Thunder Bay is recognized as one of the first areas in Ontario to implement the First Rider program, a fact that local organizers take pride in. The initiative is designed to instill school bus safety practices long before children board a bus for the first time. The goal is clear: to prepare them for a safe and enjoyable transportation experience.
Testimonials from Participants
Participants in the program expressed their enthusiasm and relief after experiencing the bus ride. Edith Tivendale, a former bus driver with 45 years of experience and a 30-year veteran of the First Rider program, remarked, “This program is wonderful. The little kids get to go on the bus, receive a certificate, and enjoy a treat.”
This year, Hillary Sparkes attended the program with her son, Graham Sparkes, who will start school soon. “We loved it. He was a little nervous at first, so this was a great experience for him to check out the buses and get comfortable with them,” she said. The feedback from parents highlights the program’s effectiveness in easing the transition into school life for young children.
As Thunder Bay continues to embrace this educational tradition, the First Rider program remains a vital resource for parents and children alike, ensuring that the journey to school begins on a positive note.
