Why does a bus stop at railroad tracks?

Question

why does a bus stop and open its doors at a railroad track?

Answer 1

State policy - forces them to look both ways before crossing!

Answer 2

Safety.

The law requiring buses and trucks with Hazmat to stop at crossings was in response to a number of school buses getting clobbered with tragic loss of young lives.  The law requires the stop before crossing at any crossing, marked, protected, or whatever.  

The only exception that I am aware of is for crossings that have met certain criteria to qualify them as "exempt".  Crossings with low activity, such as a seldom used industrial spur track.  In California, these crossings are identified by roadway sign reading "exempt crossing", which tells the vehicle operators a stop is not necessary.

One point that should not be overlooked, as well as a lesson to all, is that accidents are possible, even at crossings with signs, signals or crossing gates.  It's not usually practical for individual motorists to stop, but they can certainly look and listen.  Of course this requires that a driver turn his or her head, and turn down the blaring music momentarily.

Electronic crossing protection is NOT fail-safe and may not warn of an approaching train.  Stop, look, listen and live.

Answer 3

In Chicago they don't open the doors at the tracks, but they are required to come to a complete stop and look both ways before proceeding.  Besides, sometimes the signals or gates may not be working, so its better safe (and a few seconds later) than sorry.

Answer 4

Federal Law requires you to stop, they open the door to listen for a train as well as looking while stopped

Answer 5

I think that only applies to crossings with out a crossing gate or one with out signals.

Answer 6

that is for safety. in case the bus stalls, the passengers can get out safely.

Answer 7

Federal law states that busses, people hauing hardous material, fuel, or explosives must make a complete stop before crossing railroad tracks.

Answer 8

The older railway crossing signs the X type used to say on them Stop - Look - Listen.  It is federal Law at RR crossing for Busses and many commerical vehicles.

Answer 9

Safety. Because stopping and opening the door allows a better view of the tracks than attempting to look thru the door.

Answer 10

So it doesnt get hit by a train.

Answer 11

To check for trains in case the lights arent working the wont kill everyone on board.

Answer 12

I donno abt the door but I knw tht law requires 'em 2 stop n luk in both direction, jus incase if the signal doesnt work or the gate doesnt work.