My daughter is in 4th grade now. She rode the bus for a while but not until she was in 2nd grade and that was only because she begged me to ride it that year.  She wore her bracelet and I had the emergency card with all her numbers on it in the front of her back pack.  I tried to convince her to sit in the front of the bus but she said all her friends sit in the back and the little kids sit up by the driver.  Ya ya ya...  

We only live a short distance from the school, but your right, the drivers do change and there are alot of other factors to consider, seatbelts being one of them.  I just couldnt take it so after a few rides to let her try it out I started driving her again and she hasnt been on the bus again since.  She never complained as I dont think it was all she thought it would be anyway.  I do not work outside the home so I can take her to and from school besides. 

When the school takes field trips I always go along and I am the one who carries the shot kit.  For parents who work and are not in my same boat I feel for you.  Good luck!