(a) Each agency must assist as many families as possible who need transportation in order for their children to attend the program in obtaining that transportation.

(b) When an agency has decided not to provide transportation services, either for all or a portion of the children, it must provide reasonable assistance to the families of such children to arrange transportation to and from its activities. The specific types of assistance being offered must be made clear to all prospective families in the program's recruitment announcements.

(c) Each agency providing transportation services is responsible for compliance with the applicable requirements of this Part. When an agency provides transportation through another organization or an individual, the agency must ensure the compliance of the transportation provider with the requirements of this part.

(d) Each agency providing transportation services, must ensure that each vehicle used in providing such services is equipped with:

(1) a communication system to call for assistance in case of an emergency:

(2) safety equipment for use in an emergency, including a charged fire extinguisher that is properly mounted near the driver's seat and a sign indicating its location;

(3) a first aid kit and a sign indicating the location of such equipment; and

(4) a seat belt cutter for use in an emergency evacuation and a sign indicating its location.

(e) Each agency providing transportation services must ensure that any auxiliary seating, such as temporary or folding jump seats, used in vehicles of any type providing such services are built into the vehicle by the manufacturer as part of its standard design, are maintained in proper working order, and are inspected as part of the annual inspection required under § 1310.13(a) of this subpart.

(f) Each agency providing transportation services must ensure that all accidents involving vehicles that transport children receiving such services are reported in accordance with applicable State requirements.

(g) Each agency must ensure that children are only released to a parent or legal guardian, or other individual identified in writing by the parent or legal guardian. This regulation applies when children are not transported and are picked up from the classroom, as well as when they are dropped off by a vehicle Agencies must maintain lists of the persons, including alternates in case of emergency, and up-to-date child rosters must be maintained at all times to ensure that no child is left behind, either at the classroom or on the vehicle at the end of the route.