At what age to you think a child can take the city bus alone?

Question

I take care of my roommates 10 year old daughter (roomate works evenings + nights). I live in Calgary (about a 1 million people). We don't live in the bussing zone for her school which is 2.5 kms away (about a mile).

She could get the city bus from the end of my street to 1/2 block away from her school.

At what age would you say she could do this ride alone?

She is small but mature.

I won't say who thinks what on this, I don't want to bias your answers.

Answer 1

I'm in Saskatoon, and my son started taking the city bus alone when he started Grade 9.

However, my three nephews in Edmonton were taking city buses from the age of 10, probably. It's just a necessity in a big city.

Answer 2

I think every child is at risk in today's society, even young girls & boys of fifteen to sixteen are in danger with Paedophiles lurking about around schools and parks. Play it safe hon and drive them to school, at least you'll still see their little faces across the table at dinner every night, some mothers never see their offspring again! once a paedophiles finished with them! Take care!

Answer 3

I would say 15 at the youngest...city buses can be dangerous, creeps can do anything. Be sure to tell her that if she feels uncomfortable, get off immediately and call for help.

Answer 4

15.

Answer 5

when she's old enough to carry a gun----it is meant as joke

Answer 6

18 with allthe crazy s--t in the world

Answer 7

Im sure she'd be fine. I know of 8 year olds that do this where I live, and they never have any problems. As long as you dont live in a rough area, it would be OK.

Answer 8

I'm 26 and I wouldn't take the city bus alone; that place is scary.

Literally, on the last bus I had to take they let a guy on dressed as a clown.  Which might have been okay, he might have just been on the way to a gig of some kind.  Except that he had a steak knife in his back pocket.

How many clowns take a steak knife on their way to a birthday party or whatever?

Even if she is mature, she might have to deal with people who aren't; and may even be nuts.

Answer 9

I wouldn't let them until there in high school even if that.

Answer 10

15

Answer 11

I don't think ever. Even in highschool that is very dangerous. Even highschool kids would be huge targets for violence and other crimes alone on a city bus. I would never allow that. I would rather take the time to drive my child myself or find other arrangements.

Answer 12

believe me, if it was my daughter, she would never take the city bus. she may be mature for her age, but there ARE a lot of creeps out there that I wouldnt want near my daughter, especially if shes alone on the city bus. you just dont know about people these days.

Answer 13

I honestly dunno. My first response was NEVER, but even adults can get hurt when alone. I'd say if there is someone she could buddy with on the way to school, I'd be alot more comfortable with it. You know the child and the area. I'd just drive her, but that's me. If she is allowed to ride, I'd say something to the driver and try to get her to sit as close to the front as possible (so the driver could keep an eye on her safety).

Answer 14

i went on the bus when i was 10 years old. if u think shes mature then let her go by herself.

Answer 15

at like wen shez 11 or 12

i started tkn da city bus at dat age

i live in nyc

u should lik take da bus with her at da beginning

so she getz used2 it n noe where 2 go n everything