Transportation Updates for the 2025-2026 School Year
As we plan for the upcoming operating year and budget, there are updates to the Foothills School Division Transportation Services that will come into effect for the start of the 2025-2026 school year:
Reduced Walk Limit
The walk limit for eligible bus riders has been reduced from 2.4 km in accordance with Alberta Ministerial Order 024/2024 that makes the School Transportation Amendment Regulation (link):
- 1.6 km for students in Kindergarten to grade 6
- 2.0 km for students in grades 7 to 12
- Eligibility for service is measured using the shortest driving route, not walking paths, as per the Ministerial Order. This can be estimated using Google Maps; however, the final determination of eligibility will be made by Transportation Services.
- Given these new limits and potential interference with the current school year transportation registration, the BusPlannerEligibility webpage will not be updated until mid-summer.
- If you are unsure if you are eligible for transportation, please submit an application and our team will review.
Fee Implementation
To meet increasing costs in Transportation, a nominal fee will be applied to approved bus riders:
- $100 per rider
- Maximum $250 fee per household
- The fee will be applied to student accounts on Edsembli in June after approval.
- Fees are to be paid before a rider is assigned to a route
- Payment of fees are required by June 30, 2025, for returning students
Examples:
- Two students who have the same primary residence are registered for transportation. The total transportation fee is $200.
- Four siblings all attend FSD schools and have registered for transportation. The total transportation fee for all 4 students is $250.
- For more information on fees, please see Administrative Procedure 506
We understand that the new fee may be an adjustment for many families. With the increase in costs to operate buses and schools, this decision is essential for maintaining and improving our transportation services while keeping operating dollars in the classroom. We invite you to read the enclosed information to further illustrate the key reasons for this change.
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Applying for Transportation
- Registration is now open until May 31, 2025.
- The student address on the application must match what is on file in Edsembli
- If your address has changed, please update your student’s information via the Student Verification form on the Edsembli Family Portal
- Student number from Edsembli is required on the application.
- Apply for Transportation today
We are committed to maintaining open communication and addressing any concerns you may have. You may connect with us at FSDTransportation@fsd38.ab.ca to address your questions.
We appreciate your understanding while we continue to focus operational dollars on student learning and maintaining safe, welcoming, caring, and respectful learning environments.
