Buster and Gus – The Talking School Bus Safety Team
Bringing school bus safety to life through two unforgettable characters!

At Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, student safety is our top priority—on and off the bus. That’s why we’ve created engaging programs like Buster and Gus to help students understand how to stay safe around school buses. These interactive experiences help reinforce critical safety behaviors in a way that children can understand and remember.

Gus is a full-size bus equipped with a working stop sign, crossing gate, and flashing red lights—he operates just like a real bus! Gus has been visiting schools for over 30 years. 

Buster is a miniature, remote-controlled, three-foot-tall cartoon replica of a full-size yellow school bus. Buster has several unique features, including a musically friendly voice that captivates students while delivering an important message about school bus safety.

The mission of Buster and Gus is teaching safety. Lessons include messages about:

• How to cross the road safely

• Staying out of the “Danger Zone”

• How to wait safely for the bus

• How to cross in front of the bus

• How to climb the bus steps

• Riding the school bus to and from school safely

• How to evacuate the school bus

How can we get Gus or Buster to visit our school?

To schedule Buster or Gus the Safety Bus, contact us here or call 980-343-6715.

The school bus safety presentation lasts approximately 20–25 minutes. After the presentation, Buster and Gus are available for class or group pictures. School safety presentations are available Monday through Friday during school hours, in either morning or afternoon sessions.

To confirm your requested date with Transportation, please provide the following:

• Your school’s point of contact (name, email, and phone number)

• Location of the presentation (gymnasium, multipurpose room, etc.)

• Grade level, number of sessions, and total number of students

Buster and Gus are looking forward to visiting your school soon!