Who is eligible to ride a bus?

Public school transportation is governed by Texas Education Code, Sec. 42.155. Under this code, a "Regular eligible student" means a student who resides two or more miles from the student's campus of regular attendance, measured along the shortest route that may be traveled on public roads, and who is not classified as a student eligible for special education services. The school district may apply for and on approval of the commissioner receive an additional amount of up to 10 percent of its regular transportation allotment to be used for the transportation of children living within two miles of the school they attend who would be subject to hazardous traffic conditions if they walked to school. Each Board of Trustees shall provide to the commissioner the definition of hazardous conditions applicable to that district and shall identify the specific hazardous areas for which the allocation is requested. A hazardous condition exists where no walkway is provided and children must walk along or cross a freeway or expressway, an underpass, an overpass or a bridge, an uncontrolled major traffic artery, an industrial or commercial area, or another comparable condition.

Definitions:

"Campus of regular attendance" = home school campus - The ‘home school’ campus is determined by the student’s residential address and the assignment boundary of each school.

"Hazardous traffic conditions" - A road is considered hazardous to student pedestrian traffic under the following conditions: Students must walk along or across a freeway, an expressway, an overpass, or an underpass, where no walkway is provided and/or students must cross an uncontrolled major traffic artery.  Neighborhood streets without a sidewalk are not considered hazardous to pedestrian traffic.

How do I change my child’s drop off location?

When there is a need to change your child’s drop off destination, the teacher and the bus driver must have a written note with a parent signature and be approved by the school office personnel.  It must be within the service area of the school, on an approved route and be an approved stop.  A consistent pick-up and drop off location will ensure that your child will be on the right bus going to the right place. Constant changes cause confusion for the child, teacher and the bus drivers.

Why does the bus seem overcrowded?

School bus sizes are stated in terms of passenger capacity for elementary students. It is assumed elementary school students will ride three per seat. Middle school students are assumed to ride two to three per seat. High school students are assumed to ride two per seat. If the bus has three elementary school students, two to three middle school students, or two high school students in each seat, it may seem crowded but it will not be over capacity. It is our goal to fully utilize all the space on all the buses in our fleet.

When is the best time to call regarding concerns?

  The best time to reach  our staff members is between 8:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Contact Information

Main Transportation office: 830-232-5595 ext.4000