DART First State School Transit Education Program on public transportation is provided to certified public, parochial and private schools in Delaware (Kindergarten & Pre-School through 12th grade).

Bus Visits:

For Kindergarten & Pre-School through 12th Grade: DART First State will provide a bus, which will be available for display at the school. The students will be encouraged to board the bus where they will be taught the basics of riding a bus by a DART First State Marketing representative, with the assistance of the bus driver and school teacher. The basics include ticket/fare information, rider etiquette and safety, how to request a stop, the significance of the voice annunciator, wheelchair lift, etc. DART First State encourages more than one class at each school to take advantage of this learning experience while the bus is at their site.

Bus Trips:

For 4th Grade and Above Only: The bus trip provides students with the opportunity to ride a regularly scheduled bus on an organized class trip coordinated with DART First State. The trip times would be during the off peak hours of operation, with a maximum of 21 riders in New Castle County, 7 riders in Kent County, and 14 riders in Sussex County. One adult is required for every 6 students. All participants will receive a free Daily Pass.

Program Requests & Procedures:

A written request on school letterhead must be sent by mail or fax at least two weeks prior to the date of the requested visit/trip. The visit/trip request must include the following information: purpose of visit/trip, date, time, number of children, grade, and number of chaperones. If the request is for a visit, the exact location that the bus is to be parked at the school must be included in the letter.

Bus visits are scheduled for between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, and bus trips will be scheduled during off-peak service hours.

DART First State School Transit Education Program is for educational purposes only and is limited to one visit/trip per class, per academic year.

All calls requesting visits or trips should be directed to DART First State - Marketing, (302) 576-6013. All letters requesting visits or trips should be sent to Doug Andrews, DART First State - Marketing, 119 Lower Beech Street. Ste 100, Wilmington, DE 19805

The visit or trip will be scheduled by DART First State according to the above guidelines. DART First State will send a letter, fax or e-mail confirming the details of the visit or trip to the school and/or teacher.

If the request is for a visit, the confirmation letter will describe the details of the visit. A DART First State representative accompanies the bus and its driver to the school, and assist the teacher with providing information to the students.

If the request is for a trip, the confirmation letter will include free promotional daily passes for the teacher, each student, and chaperones. The letter will also include bus stop and schedule information to assist the teacher.

For more information on DART First State's School Transit Education please call 1-302-576-6013. Remember, let's all teach our children that they have a choice, especially a safe choice when it comes to getting there.