SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

‘Bus Bucks’ program encourages good bus rider behavior

Under the incentive program, students at a South Carolina school district receive Bus Bucks for following directions, remaining seated and talking quietly on their school buses. Bus Bucks can be redeemed for such prizes as a fast food coupon and a homework pass.

August 23, 2010
2 min to read


PENDLETON, S.C. — Anderson School District Four has implemented a district-wide incentive program for good bus rider behavior called “Bus Bucks.”

Students earn Bus Bucks for demonstrating desired behaviors, following directions, as well as setting a good example for other passengers while riding the district’s school buses.

Along with following directions, the behavior that’s expected of students includes being respectful, sitting properly and remaining seating, keeping one’s hands to him or herself and talking quietly.

Bus Bucks are awarded by school bus drivers each Friday that transportation is provided.

Students can redeem their Bus Bucks for the following incentives:

All schools — a homework pass, a fast food coupon or a coupon to Skateland USA
Elementary schools — a coupon for a Dairy Queen ice cream cone
Middle school — a lunch pass or dance pass, a coupon for a discount to a sporting event, a coupon for a Dairy Queen Blizzard
High school — a lunch pass or a Canteen Drink pass, or a Dairy Queen Blizzard coupon 

“We tried to tailor the incentives to be appropriate to different grade levels,” Assistant Superintendent Joanne Avery told the Independent Mail. “While the elementary school students might save up their bucks for an ice cream cone, at the high school, getting a lunch pass is a really big deal. Getting in the lunch line before everyone else is highly coveted by teenagers.”

More Management

a photo of a row of school buses parked and text boxes overlaid that read "two new district installs" with the transfinder logo
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 6, 2026

Two Midwest Districts Turn to Transfinder

Two separate school districts in Illinois and Ohio have rolled out Transfinder's Routefinder and Tripfinder solutions, respectively.

Read More →
An orange, white, and red graphic with an image of buses lined up in white/red duotone and text reading "How GPS Helps Buses Stay On-Time."
ManagementMarch 6, 2026

How GPS Tracking Helps School Bus Fleets Improve On-Time Performance Without Adding Routes

Struggling with late buses? GPS data can help fleets cut delays, fix route bottlenecks, and improve on-time performance without adding routes.

Read More →
Black Zonar V4 telematics device shown on an orange background, a rectangular fleet telematics unit with status indicator lights and connection ports used in commercial vehicles to collect operational and emissions data.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 5, 2026

Zonar Becomes First CARB-Approved OEM Telematics Provider

Zonar received CARB certification allowing fleets with factory-installed V4 telematics devices to automatically submit emissions data for Clean Truck Check compliance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
professional headshot of kris laseter against a gradient orange background, the pathwise logo, and text that says "leadership update"
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 5, 2026

Pathwise Promotes Kris Laseter to President and COO

As the software company caps a year of record growth, the promotion recognizes Laseter's impact with doubled revenue and two large district partnerships.

Read More →
An orange and yellow graphic with an EverDriven logo and text reading "updated VIP App With Real-Time Student Transportation Tracking."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 4, 2026

EverDriven Updates VIP App With Real-Time Student Transportation Tracking

The redesigned app gives parents and school districts real-time trip tracking, multilingual access, and improved communication tools.

Read More →
A colorful graphic with 4 portraits and text reading "4 Women to Watch in School Transportation."
Managementby Elora HaynesMarch 4, 2026

4 Women Leading School Transportation Forward

Careers aren’t linear. Neither is progress. These women share what it really takes to lead in school transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Attendees visit the AMF Bruns vendor booth in the expo hall, examining a wheelchair securement device while speaking with an exhibitor about safety equipment.
Managementby Amanda HuggettMarch 3, 2026

Innovation & Inspiration in Burbank: CASTO 2026 Photo Highlights

Take a peek at key moments and top takeaways from the 58th California state transportation association’s annual conference, from session highlights, snapshots from vendors, and interactive activities.

Read More →
Promo graphic for the 18th National Congress on School Transportation, featuring a conference audience background and text reading “May 4–6, 2029, St. Louis, Missouri,” alongside the NCST logo.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsMarch 3, 2026

NCST Announces 18th Congress Event Dates, New Committees

The National Congress on School Transportation moves to St. Louis in May 2029, convening delegates and industry representatives to discuss updated guidance.

Read More →
school bus driver
SponsoredMarch 2, 2026

7 Key Criteria for Choosing a School Bus Fleet Technology Partner

Download this white paper for clear guidance on evaluating your organization’s needs and selecting a partner who delivers long-term value.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An orange graphic with text reading "2026 Conference Highlights: SBF On the Scene at CASTO."
Managementby StaffMarch 2, 2026

The Best of CASTO 2026: Key Moments in Video

Take a quick tour of the 58th annual California Association of School Transportation Officials annual conference in this video of just some of the high-energy highlights.

Read More →