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Preschool and Elementary Student Program

Developed in consultation with education professionals, OmniRide’s Safe Bus Adventure Program teaches children about bus safety rules and the benefits of using transit. The program focuses on the OmniRide Local bus routes that serve Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.

Educators and psychologists have found that many behaviors and patterns are set for life during childhood. The simple phrase uttered by Smokey the Bear, “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires,” is a prime example of a campaign to educate children about responsible behavior.

OmniRide uses the same philosophy to educate children about the benefits of using public transportation and how to stay safe on the bus. The campaign has several components:

  • “Ricky’s Big Birthday Bus Adventure” – an original, colorfully-illustrated story featuring a 9-year-old boy who makes his first solo bus trip. After studying the bus safety rules with his mother, Ricky puts them to practice as he travels to the park to meet his grandmother for a birthday picnic. See below for a sneak peek at the storybook.
  • A board game that reinforces the book’s safety messages. . Class size isn’t a problem when playing the “Ricky’s Big Birthday Bus Adventure Game,” where students work in teams to help Ricky reach his birthday picnic in the park.
  • Touring an OmniRide Local bus brings elements of the story to life as children climb aboard and speak with a real bus operator.
  • A coloring and activity book and other goodies that encourage children to recall the safety messages long after the program is over.

OmniRide’s goal – to help children develop a positive attitude towards public transportation benefits the entire community. The Safe Bus Adventure Program is an engaging compilation of materials that can help children stay safe today and foster a sense of civic-mindedness for the future.

Free group presentations are available for children in preschool to approximately 2nd grade. If you want to reserve a presentation date for a group of students, summer camp participants or other youth groups - or if you just want to learn more about this exciting program - send an email to Youth@OmniRide.com or call 703-580-6127.