What is the correct procedure for handling lost and found items?

The correct procedure for handling lost and found items is to keep the items secured on the bus and report them to dispatch at the end of the shift. This approach ensures that lost items are treated with respect and care, allowing the rightful owners the chance to reclaim them. It maintains the integrity of the bus service and fosters trust with the riding public.

By reporting items to dispatch, the bus operator enables the organization to log these items properly, often setting up a systematic method for returning lost possessions to their owners. This process not only provides an opportunity for lost belongings to be returned but also promotes accountability within the transportation system.

Maintaining the items on the bus until they can be reported ensures that they do not get misplaced or disposed of prematurely. Other options, like discarding items or taking them for personal use, do not align with professional practices or ethical standards and would likely violate company policies. Donating lost items could also lead to complications since they may still belong to someone who is expecting their property to be returned.