Are the bus rules too strict? After interviewing and receiving results from a poll on whether the school community thinks bus rules are too strict or not, the answer is now easier to see. While interviewing students at Pentucket, there was repetition in the answers given on some controversial bus rules, leading towards a mostly universal decision.

A ninth grader at Pentucket has many accusations against his bus. He claims, “The font size of the bus rules is way too small to be seen and read by students sitting in the middle of the bus.” He specifically points out that the text is almost a “size one font,” saying that the text is almost impossible to read. This same student also claims that on their bus, they are not allowed to drink water at all. 

Yes, there is a bus rule stating that “Eating food and drinking beverages is not allowed on the bus.” Not allowing students to have a necessity for life is very irrational, as denying water to someone who is dehydrated might cause a dangerous issue. This student claims the rule should be changed, so that students are allowed to drink at least water. 

A seventh grader also agrees with these claims saying, “It is outrageous, I am not allowed to drink water on the bus!”

Along with this, his father also strongly disagrees with the bus rules, believing that it is “inhumane to deny a person water.”

Although there are tons of students, and parents do not agree with some of the bus rules, there are some people who believe that the bus rules are at least acceptable. A Pentucket ninth grader claims that the rules are “useful to stop kids from being loud and throwing things,” as he states that some of the main rules do help students be safe on the bus ride home. This student, along with some others, also claims that the rules are not too strict, and are even relaxed or not used enough at times. Other students, however, do not like the rules, but continue to follow them as they are beneficial to themselves and others on the bus.

Looking at the bus rules list for many companies, there are a few mind-boggling rules, but the main issue is the rule that states “Eating food and drinking beverages is not allowed on the bus,” as stated earlier. This rule still confuses many people, as it shows that no drinks at all are allowed to be drunk, even if many people think they should be able to drink water. A survey was put out to many people, and it was found that 44% of students do not like the bus rules, 28% are fine with the rules, and 28% of the students do not even ride the bus at all. Maybe the bus rules should be changed, as many seem to be unforgiving and inhumane towards people, even if only drinking water. 

In conclusion, the bus rules should be changed, as there are more people who would like to see change than not. Some rules may be too vague, and some may be used too much. Overall, the bus rules almost require some tweaks.