Transportation FAQs

 

Transportation FAQs

Transportation Department Office Hours

Monday - Friday

7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Non-student days
7:00 am to 3:00 pm

Prior to 1981, the State reimbursed school districts for home-to-school transportation on a sliding scale for costs up to 90% and covered 100% of the costs for transporting students with severe disabilities.

Unlike home-to-school transportation which is not required by law, the transportation of students with special needs is mandated when required within the students’ Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Mostly in response to the passage of Proposition 13, in the 1981-82 school year, State funding for transportation was frozen at prior year levels and only increased based on annual Cost-of-Living increases regardless of costs.|

Over the next several years, as the actual cost to provide home-to-school transportation increased, many districts began to scale back home-to-school transportation due to the drain on their General Funds and negative impact on educational programs.

In 1989, the IUSD Board of Education adopted Board Policy 3540 which allowed the District to charge for transportation in recognition the State was no longer providing sufficient funding.  In addition, the Board approved   Administrative Regulation 3540.1 which placed transportation zone limits on providing home-to-school transportation.

Administrative Regulation 3540.1 set non-transportation zones which include 1.5 miles for elementary schools, 2.5 miles for middle schools and 3.0 miles for high schools. Transportation within these zones will not be provided.

Students who live within the boundaries of school sites with bus service who opt to utilize transportation services must have a valid bus pass to ride.

To purchase a bus pass, please complete a Bus Pass Application.  Links to the Bus Pass Applications may be found on the IUSD website at: https://iusd.org/business-services/transportation/transportation-busing under the tab for your child's school.

Links to the Bus Pass Fee Schedules may be found on the IUSD website at: https://iusd.org/business-services/transportation/transportation-busing under the tab for your child's school.

For qualifying families when space is available, a free bus pass is generated and a seat on the bus is secured upon receipt of a complete Bus Pass Application, a complete Application for Free Bus Pass, AND required supporting documentation.

For further information, please call the Transportation Department at (949) 936-5370 ext. 2 to schedule and appointment.  No walk-ins.

Yes, bus passes are only sold annually.  

One way bus passes are available for some routes if purchased annually.  

Links to the Bus Pass Fee Schedules may be found on the IUSD website at: https://iusd.org/business-services/transportation/transportation-busing under the tab for your child's school.

Unfortunately daily ride passes are not available.

​​​​​​No, however bus passes are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.  Once the maximum capacity of the bus has been reached, a wait list will be created.

Yes, credit or debit card payments will include a 4.95% processing fee; accessible online at www.myschoolbucks.com 

 

Bus passes purchased before Friday, June 28, 2024 will be created and available for pick-up at your student’s school prior to the first day of school. Any bus passes purchased after June 28 must be picked-up in person at the Transportation Department. If you prefer the bus pass to be returned by mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with payment.

Replacement bus pass fee: $25.00 

In adherence to California Department of Education guidelines, an authorized Parent or Guardian must meet kindergarten students at the bus stop. Kindergartners will not be released to walk independently, regardless of written consent from the Parent or Guardian.

Yes, students must have a valid bus pass ready to show the bus driver upon boarding.  No student will be permitted to ride without a current bus pass, no exception.

A new bus pass can be purchased for $20.00 in exchange for the old pass.  Please contact the Transportation Department at (949) 936-5375 ext. 2 with any questions.  

Annual bus passes for year-round schools are valid July 17, 2024 to June 6, 2025

Annual bus passes for traditional schools are valid August 20, 2024 to June 6, 2025

​​​​No, bus passes are not transferable. 

All students riding the bus must abide by safety rules set forth by the State.  Please see Bus Conduct and Safety rules.

Violation of Rules

  1. First Offense – Warning/with a possibility of suspension
  2. Second Offense – Three (3) day bus suspension
  3. Third Offense – Five (5) day bus suspension
  4. Fourth Offense – Determined by the Transportation Administrator/Director.
  5. Extreme Acts of Violence – Immediate expulsion.          

Yes, if the bus is equipped with seatbelts they must be worn. School busses that were manufactured on or after July 1, 2004 and "Type 1" school buses manufactured after July 1, 2005 are required by statute to be equipped with lap/shoulder belts (Vehicle Code Section 27316).  

The District's transportation services contractor, Durham School Services, is required to have buses equipped with seatbelts; however, there may be exceptions when the District requires additional resources and the contractor is only able to provide buses older than 2004.  If necessary, this would be a temporary accommodation until buses with seatbelts become available.  Outside vendors may have buses older than 2004 and it is not mandatory to retrofit buses per the California Department of Education or per California Vehicle Code.

Please contact the IUSD Transportation Department at (949) 936-5370 ext. 2, Monday-Friday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm.  

Concerns related to bus passes may also be sent via email to buspass@iusd.org