Transportation Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I see my child’s bus information?
Log in to the Parent Self-Serve Portal (PSS) and select the Transportation tab.
*Except students with special transportation: please call 512-268-8476 x46012
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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.
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Can students on a transfer to a school other than their home campus receive bus service?
No. Students who voluntarily transfer to a school other than their home campus are not eligible for bus service.
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How do I request a change my child’s drop off location?
When there is a need to change your child’s drop off destination, the parents can submit a request to the transportation department. It must be within the service area of the school, on an approved route and be an approved stop. If asking for a new stop, it will be reviewed by the department and the parent will be notified if the request is approved or not. 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 and the bus drivers.
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Can I get the bus stop moved closer?
Bus stops are placed at centralized locations that can be safely accessed by a significant number of students and to minimize the time length and mileage of the route. If you have concerns about your child's safety, you are encouraged to accompany your child to the bus stop or arrange for a neighborhood buddy to walk with your child. The Home-to-Stop distances are as follows: elementary school students are up to .35 miles to a bus stop, middle school students are up to .55 miles to a bus stop and high school students are up to .75 miles to a bus stop.
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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.
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Transportation wasn’t able to deliver my student home. Where did they go?
If the driver is unable to deliver a student home (ie; student lost key) they will be taken back to their school campus.
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When is the best time to call regarding concerns?
The majority of the Transportation staff work a “split” schedule, the office has minimal staff during the hours of 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. The best time to reach the majority of our staff members is between 9:00 AM-11:00 AM.
Contact Information
Main Transportation office: 512-268-8476
Dispatch Office: 512-268-8479
Special Needs: 512-268-8476 x46012
Beacon Hill Station: (serves BES, CHES, EGES, DMS, & west HHS zones) 512-268-8513 -
My student wants/needs to bring sports equipment on the bus. Is this allowed?
If a student is part of a club or athletic sport, they can bring their equipment as long as it is secured in a bag and doesn't take up a seat from another student. This includes but is not limited to: basketballs, soccer balls, baseball bats, golf clubs, tennis balls, etc.
If your student is bringing a skateboard on the bus, the following conditions must be met:
- The school must have an established and scheduled official activity involving skateboards;
- The school has provided Transportation with a list of attendees;
- The student carrying the skateboard is on that list; and
- Skateboards must be secured to the student's backpack or in a bag.