School bus service serves neighborhoods around the islands to ensure broad access to educational opportunities for our students. Transportation is provided for about 12,000 student riders on Oʻahu and 13,000 students on neighbor islands.
GENERAL Eligibility
To be eligible for regular bus services:
- Students in grades K-5 must reside 1 mile or more from their home school.
- Students in grades 6-12 must reside 1.5 miles or more from their home school.
- Students must be actively enrolled in a HIDOE public school that has bus service available.
Regular bus services do not apply to students who:
- Reside within the minimum qualifying distance.
- Attend a school outside of their home school area.
- Require transportation to destinations other than their home.
Free Bus Eligibility
Students who meet one or more of the following criteria are eligible to receive a free quarterly bus pass:
- Student qualifies for the free lunch program based on household income information. (Note: Students who qualify for reduced-price lunches are not eligible for a free bus pass).
- Student is a foster child.
- Student is homeless and eligible for benefits under the McKinney-Vento Act (MVA).
- Student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Modified Plan (MP) that includes transportation as a related service (special education only).
- Student is directed by the Department to attend a school outside of the designated attendance area.
- Student has at least three older siblings who are fare-paying bus riders at their respective schools; one free paid rider per three paid riders.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
School Transportation Services Branch
Phone: 808-784-6850
Email
If your child meets one or more of these qualifiers, please complete Part III of the bus pass application form, making sure to check off all of the qualifying categories that apply and select the appropriate pass option. Any inquiries regarding free pass eligibility should be directed to the school.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications are accepted in-person at your schoolʻs administration office or online.
Steps to Apply
- Download the SY 2024-2025 HIDOE School Bus Handbook Application Form (PDF).
- Complete both sides of application form; indicate the type of service and payment in Part III of the application. Submit application online to the school for processing via eTrition (a valid student ID number is required to apply). Do not attach payment to the application form.
- Students applying for free bus transportation should complete Part IV of the application and indicate the reason(s) for eligibility.
- You will be notified of approval or disapproval of your bus application by your school either by email/phone call for paper applications, or by email notification via the EZSchoolPay app for online applications. This process can take up to four (4) weeks.
- Your child will be issued a temporary bus pass to use until the permanent pass is available. Please have your student check in with the office staff to receive their permanent bus pass card. The temporary bus pass must be surrendered upon receipt of the permanent bus pass card. Bus passes are non transferable and are valid only on the assigned bus route and quarter.
Application Forms
General: SY 2024-2025 HIDOE School Bus Handbook Application Form (PDF) Note: Application forms are also available at the school administration office.
Special Education: SY 2024-25 HIDOE Special Education Transportation Parent Information Manual (PDF)
Application Period for Current School Year
All school bus applicants (both paid and free-status riders) must apply on a quarterly basis per the schedule provided below:
- Quarter 4: Jan. 31 to March 28, 2025
- Quarter 1: July 15 to Sept. 6, 2024
- Quarter 2: Sept. 16 to Nov. 15, 2024
- Quarter 3: Nov. 25, 2024 to Jan. 17, 2025
Applications must be submitted on a QUARTERLY basis and will not be accepted outside of the indicated periods. Please plan accordingly.