Bus Service registrations are annual. All passengers must be registered and any applicable fees for service must be paid before the student is assigned to the bus.

To ensure your child will have access to the bus, transportation applications must be received by May 31 prior to the new school year.  Routing for the upcoming school year is finalized in June and stops that do not have students registered as of July 2 will be removed from the run.

Non-registered children are not permitted onto school buses.  For access to a school bus ride in case of an emergency, please email Transportation Services at FSDTransportation@fsd38.ab.ca or call at 403-652-6547.

Parents are required to review the Transportation Handbook and Division Policies and Procedures, including: 

• Policy 14 - A Place for All
• 151 - Parental/Guardian Concerns or Complaints
• 170 - Bullying, Harassment and Threatening Behaviour
• 180 - Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
• 181 - Electronic Surveillance
• 309 - Safe, Caring, Respectful, and Inclusive Learning Environments that foster a Place for All
• 350 - Student Code of Conduct
• 550 - Student Transportation Services - General Conditions
• 551 - Student Transportation Services - Special Conditions
• 552 - Student Transportation Services - Language Immersion Programs

Application Process

1. All students, both new and returning riders, are required to complete the online application form and pay any applicable fees.
2. There are no transportation fees for the 2024-2025 school year, unless the student requires Dual Bussing (limited availability)
3. Bussing is determined from the student's primary residence (as set out in the Education Act (4.1)). This address must match the student's address registered with the school. If Dual Bussing is required to a secondary residence, please see "Dual Bussing" below.
4. An email following your application form will be sent confirming we have received you application.  Please contact email transportation@fsd38.ab.ca if you have not receive this confirmation.
5. Transportation Services assigns students onto a bus and informs the Bus Driver.
6. Bus Driver contacts the family with pick-up location and times the end of August, before school starts.

Notes:

• Students requesting transportation after May 31, of any given year, must register by completing the online application form and submitting it to the Transportation Department. Students will only be permitted to ride once their application is received at the Transportation office, and has been processed. 
• In terms of the Alberta Education funding regulations there are two criteria for eligibility to receive bus service:
  1. Students must attend their designated school. This designation is in terms of: a. Established school boundaries; or b. The division directs a student to an out-of-boundary school for specific specialized programming.
  2. The student must live 2.4km or more away from the designated school. "Is my child eligible?" follow this link.
  3. If your child is ineligible, you may still apply and your child will be placed on a wait list. 
• All transportation changes must be submitted online via the change of address or cancellation links below. No changes will be made over the phone. All changes must be made at the school prior to cancelling service or changing address.
• If your student needs any specialized supports to ride the bus (wheelchair, etc.) please use the comments field to indicate your child's requirements.
• Service to two separate residences may be available. Please see Dual Bussing below. 
• Please familiarize yourself and your child with the bus safety information.

Complete and submit the Transportation Application

Bus Passes  

In-Town Residents:

Eligible students who reside in High River or Okotoks must obtain a bus pass prior to the first day of school. Students who do not have a bus pass will not be granted permission to board the bus.

Bus passes for eligible students will be available for pick up at your child’s school beginning in late August through the second week of September. After the second week of September please email the transportation department and the pass will be sent to the driver. 

Ineligible students applying to ride the bus are required to submit a Transportation Application (see above) and will be contacted around mid-October regarding space availability. If space is available, a parent or guardian will be contacted.  

Rural Residents:

Eligible students who are transported between Turner Valley and Black Diamond must have a bus pass prior to the first day of school. Students who do not have a bus pass will not be granted permission to board the bus.  All other rural students will not require a bus pass.

Bus passes for eligible students will be available for pick up at your child’s school beginning in late August through the second week of September. After the second week of September please email the transportation department and the pass will be sent to the driver. 

Ineligible students applying to ride the bus are required to submit a Transportation Application (see above) and will be contacted around mid-October regarding space availability. If space is available, a parent or guardian will be contacted.  

Cancel Service

Please complete this form to cancel transportation services Cancel Service Form. If you cancel transportation before January 31 of any given school year you may receive a fifty percent (50%) refund of fees.  No refunds after January 31 of any school year.

Change of Address

Please update the address at the school before you complete and submit a new  Transportation Application.

Dual Bussing 

As per the Education Act, Section 4.1, bussing is determined from a student's primary residence. Dual Bussing may be available to students if a second bus is required to/from a secondary residence. Dual Bussing scenarios will be taken into consideration after all students who qualify for transportation are accommodated (mid-October). Please note that Dual Bussing is not guaranteed; parents should secure alternate transportation in the event of any service cancellation. 

Application:

1. Application for Dual Bussing can occur at any time after application is made for transportation service at the primary residence. The secondary residence must be on file with the school prior to application. Dual Bussing cannot be to businesses, day homes, or any other address not on the student's file as a primary or secondary residence. 
2. Applicants may submit a second Transportation Application for service to/from the secondary residence, including a note that the application is for Dual Bussing. 
3. Approval of Dual Bussing will communicated as per the terms above. 

Fees:

Fees for Dual Bussing must be paid in full before any student can access service.

• $200.00 per student
• $450.00 per family maximum
   

Service Fees

May 2024: No fees for the 2024-2025 school year with the exception of students who require dual bussing to a primary and secondary residence. 

• Service fees are approved annually by the Board of Trustees as outlined in AP 550.
• If you require Dual busing, please complete the application process.
• Note that we may not be able to finalize the application before school starts and dual busing is NOT guaranteed.  We caution parents to have a back-up transportation plan. 
• The waitlist will be evaluated, to determine space, by mid-October.  If space is available on the bus, a parent or guardian will be notified by email.
• If your student is granted a spot on the bus, payment must be received in full before they are placed on a route.

Contact

403-652-6547

FSDTransportation@fsd38.ab.ca