Bus Stop Safety and Operational Standards

For students living under 1.5 miles from school, IDOT evaluates hazards using the official scoring matrix set forth in the Illinois Administrative Code (Title 92, Part 556). Points are assigned based on traffic speeds, volumes, pedestrian separation, and physical road conditions across four hazard categories:

• Type I — Walking Along a Roadway: Evaluates narrow shoulders/walkways (under 2 feet wide), high traffic speed, and hourly vehicle counts.
• Type II — Walking on a Roadway: Evaluates routes where students are forced onto active pavement due to a total lack of shoulders, narrow bridges, or underpasses.
• Type III — Crossing a Roadway: Evaluates unprotected intersections, vehicular speed, traffic density, and crossing controls (e.g., traffic signals, stop signs, or adult crossing guards).
• Type IV — Crossing Railroad Tracks: Evaluates daily train frequency, train speed, number of tracks, and active warning protections like gates or crossbucks.

Point Thresholds: A location must score 12 or more points for a single hazard type, or 20 or more points for a combination of hazards, to qualify as an official safety hazard. For complete scoring tables, point breakdowns, and example calculations, review the IDOT Safety Hazard Point Evaluation Document.

Under Illinois law, parents or guardians have a formal right to request an official evaluation for any walking route or bus stop location:

• Step 1: Submit a Written Petition
  Submit a formal written request to the School District Transportation Department specifying the location, street, or intersection in question.
• Step 2: District Investigation
  District staff conduct an on-site investigation using IDOT’s official scoring matrix to count traffic volume, clock vehicle speeds, and measure walkway widths.
• Step 3: Local Board Approval
  If the location meets the minimum point threshold (12 points for a single hazard or 20 points for combined hazards), the local School Board votes on the findings.
• Step 4: IDOT Final Determination
  The certified investigation report and route map are submitted to the IDOT District Office, which has 30 days to formally review and approve the safety hazard designation.

If IDOT approves a safety hazard designation, the district will provide free bus transportation to eligible students residing within that designated hazard zone or will revise a bus stop location to alter the walking path to avoid the safety hazard.