School field trips usually start with the big yellow bus. Students will line up to board, sit in twos, and travel to their destination.

But what if it was a green bus they were boarding? A green Culver City Bus to be exact.

The city of Culver City is partnering with local schools to teach children about public transportation. Instead of a school bus, students will ride a public Culver City Bus. In doing this, students get their own tap card, learn about bus travel, and gain independence.

One student, Jesse, loves these trips.   

"But while we are on the bus we can still have fun with some buddies too," says Jesse.

He gets excited to play and talk to his friends on the bus and he has learned a lot too.

"That it can hold up to about 30 people," says Jesse.

This specific class at Linwood Howe Elementary takes this bus about five minutes to a senior home. After learning about public transportation, they get to spend time with the residents there. They play games. laugh, and bond.

It is a truly inspiration moment out of the class room.

Their field trip is a well-rounded experience. Jesse’s mother Kelly joins the fun. She’s a parent volunteer and appreciates this educational experience.

"They are learning autonomy and how to get themselves around when they get to the age to be able to do that. Also technology really with the whole tap card and learning how to work that. It is fostering independence which is fantastic," she says.

As they return back to class, the children are overjoyed by the experience. Many of them want to take the bus in their free time with their families. Kelly says they use the Metro a lot already, but after going on these trips, she is more inclined to use the bus locally with her son.

"We didn’t formerly use the bus in Culver City, but now we do," says Kelly.

Jesse says he wants to take the bus to the beach. His friends want to join in too. Kelly says it is a great idea.

"Let’s all take a trip to the beach on the bus," says Kelly.

Learning independence, confidence, and kindness, all by taking the Culver City Bus.