School Year 2025-26 Application Periods

All school bus applicants (both paid and free-status riders) must apply on a quarterly basis per the schedule provided below:

• Quarter 1: July 14 to Aug. 15, 2025
• Quarter 2: Sept. 22 to Oct. 17, 2025
• Quarter 3: Dec. 12, 2025 to Jan. 9, 2026
• Quarter 4: Mar. 2 to Mar. 27, 2026

Applications must be submitted on a QUARTERLY basis and will not be accepted outside of the indicated periods. Please plan accordingly.

GENERAL Eligibility

To be eligible for regular bus services:

• Students must be actively enrolled in a HIDOE public school that has bus service available.
• 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.

 Regular bus services do not apply to students who:

• Reside within the minimum qualifying distance walk zone.
  • Walk zone is calculated from the recorded home address in Infinite Campus to the nearest public access for the school campus (not from the main office).
• Students attending school on a Geographical Exception (GE).
• Require transportation to destinations other than their home.
• Attend a school that does not have school bus services.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are accepted in-person at your schoolʻs administration office or online.

Steps to Apply

1. Download the SY 2025-2026 HIDOE School Bus Handbook Application Form (PDF) and review.
2. For online applications, please use the Apply Online Icon or click here. 
   • A valid student ID number is required to apply. 
   • Upon application review by your school, an email notification shall be sent rendering their decision and next steps.
   • Online payments shall be processed via EZ School Pay; bus payment options shall only be available after the application has been approved by the school.
   • If payment is not received by the quarterly deadline, your approved application will be removed and your student may lose their seat on the bus.
3. For manual application submission (in-person at your school office), complete both sides of the application form; indicate the type of service and payment in Part III of the application.  
   • You will be notified of approval or disapproval of your bus application by your school either by email and/or phone call.
   • In-person payment shall be collected upon approval of the application by your school.  Approved payment options include:
     • Cash
     • Money Order and/or Cashier’s Check
     • NO PERSONAL CHECKS
   • If payment is not received by the quarterly deadline, your approved application will be removed and your student may lose their seat on the bus.
4. Students applying for free bus transportation shall complete Part IV of the application and indicate the reason(s) for eligibility.
5. 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 2025-2026 HIDOE School Bus Handbook Application Form (PDF). Application forms are also available at the school administration office.

Special Education: SY 2025-26 HIDOE Special Education Transportation Parent Information Manual (PDF)

Free Bus Eligibility

Free bus eligibility is evaluated on an individual basis.  Students attending Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools shall also qualify on an individual basis. 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 home displaced and eligible for benefits under the McKinney-Vento Act (MVA).
• 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.

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.

For students who have transportation as a support service in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP), please consult with your school’s Student Service Coordinator (SSC) for more information on accessing school bus transportation.