Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out my child’s bus stop information, including bus number and stop times?
You should contact your child’s school for this information. You may also log into BusPlanner to find your child’s bus details. Please note that we follow a 15-minute policy before and after the established stop time.
My child is not assigned to a bus. How do I get my child assigned to a bus and how long will it take?
You should contact the bus coordinator at the school your child will be attending. The bus coordinator will help you complete the required information to sign your child up for transportation. Please allow up to 10 business days for your child to be assigned to a bus. You may contact the school at any time for a status update, or log into BusPlanner to check the request as well.
Can I request a different bus than the one my child is assigned to?
In order for a child to ride a bus other than the one they are assigned to, a parent must contact the school so the bus coordinator can complete an Extra Transportation Request. You may also submit the Extra Transportation Request yourself. Please allow up to 20 business days for the request to be approved or denied. You may check with your child’s school at any time for the status of the request. Extra Transportation Requests must be for buses within the same school attendance zone.
We have moved and I need to change my child’s address.
Contact your child’s school for assistance and to complete the required paperwork.
How far can I expect my child to walk to the bus stop?
State Board Policy requires that bus stops be no closer than 0.2 miles.
My child’s bus has not shown up and/or is consistently late. Who can I call?
You should contact the school your child attends for this information.
The bus did not show up on time for my child. How long should he or she wait at the stop?
Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least 15-minutes before the scheduled pickup time each morning. If there is a substitute driver, pickup times may vary slightly from the regular schedule. If the bus is late, please have your child remain at the stop. Delays can occur due to mechanical issues, road closures, or driver illness or emergencies. If the wait becomes unusually long, please contact your child’s school.
Can school buses travel on private streets?
School buses are only permitted to travel on state-maintained roads or approved subdivisions.
Can my child stay inside the house until the bus arrives at the bus stop each morning?
It is the parent’s responsibility to have students at the designated bus stop, ready to board the bus. You can find your child’s bus stop and time information on BusPlanner or by contacting the school. Additionally, please download the Where’s the Bus app for real-time tracking and updates Where's The Bus App.
Why are buses sometimes late?
School bus drivers can experience delays for many of the same reasons as other motorists, including traffic, trains, weather conditions, accidents, or driver illness. Buses may also be delayed due to mechanical breakdowns or “no starts.” If the regularly assigned bus or driver is unable to pick up students, a replacement bus and driver will be dispatched as quickly as possible to ensure students are picked up safely.
Will there always be a driver for every bus?
Due to driver shortages, a substitute driver may not always be available to cover a route. The Transportation Department works diligently to assign a driver as quickly as possible.
Why does the bus not stop at my house when there is a substitute driver?
When substitute drivers are covering bus routes, they will stop at the established bus stops according to the run sheets and GPS tablet. It is the parent’s responsibility to have students at the designated bus stop, ready for the bus. You can contact the school for bus stop locations and times, or access the same information on BusPlanner. Additionally, please download the Where’s the Bus app for real-time tracking and updates Where's The Bus App.
What do I do if I need my child to be picked up or dropped off temporarily at another location other?
The stop location must be a current, established stop. You may submit an Extra Transportation Request Form at your child’s school or complete the form online. Please allow up to 20 business days for the request to be processed. In the case of an emergency, the school will contact the Transportation Department to determine if the request can be expedited.
We just moved to the area and would like to know what school my child will attend?
You may visit our BusPlanner and enter your address to find your school zone, the school’s location, the distance from your address to the school, and the arrival and dismissal times. If you are unable to access this information online, you may contact the Transportation Department at 252-462-2480.
Is transportation provided for students who do not live in the attendance area for the school they attend?
No. Transportation is not provided for students attending a school outside of their district. When you receive a transfer you are informed that you will be responsible for transporting your child to and from school.
Who do I contact regarding a discipline issue concerning my child while on the school bus?
Contact your child’s school bus coordinator or principal for assistance.
Where can I learn more about school bus safety?