WASHINGTON — Next Monday, school begins in the District of Columbia, and for the first time kids will be able to ride Metro trains as well as buses for free to get to school. Before sending kids off to class, now is a good time to talk to them about staying safe while using public transportation.
Kaya Henderson, chancellor of the D.C. public schools, says her聽first piece of advice is to make sure your kids don’t ride alone:聽鈥淢ake sure that they鈥檙e traveling in groups; there is always safety in numbers.鈥�
Henderson adds that聽it’s easy for kids to get caught up listening to music, but they really should focus on being alert and aware of their surroundings for the trip.
Parents should also stress the importance of following the rules and listening to Metro personnel and police, especially in an emergency:聽鈥淧art of the time there are lots of problems because people don鈥檛 actually respond to the Metro police and to the safety people on the trains,鈥� Henderson said.
If there is an emergency, children should text or call their parents as soon as聽they are safe. This will allow loved ones to know they鈥檙e OK聽and where they can be found. Kids聽should also memorize their parents’ phone numbers, in case they need to borrow a phone to reach mom and dad.
More kids are expected to take public transportation in D.C. this year, after an expansion of the . 聽After registering with the city, students at D.C. public or charter schools will be able to ride Metro buses and聽trains free during school days.
The program is expected to save many families who need it an average of $30 a month.
