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 first piece of advice is to make sure your kids don’t ride alone: “Make sure that they’re traveling in groups; there is always safety in numbers.”
Henderson adds that 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: “Part of the time there are lots of problems because people don’t actually respond to the Metro police and to the safety people on the trains,” Henderson said.
If there is an emergency, children should text or call their parents as soon as they are safe. This will allow loved ones to know they’re OK and where they can be found. Kids 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 D.C. ONE card program. After registering with the city, students at D.C. public or charter schools will be able to ride Metro buses and trains free during school days.
The program is expected to save many families who need it an average of $30 a month.
