Am I eligible for bus service?

Updated for 2025 - 2026 

Effective September 1, 2025, as per the Government of Alberta, the walk radius for students in Kindergarten through to grade 6 has changed to 1.6 km, and the limit for students in grades 7 to 12 is 2.0 km. 

Transportation 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.

• For returning students: to ensure your child will have access to the bus, transportation applications must be received by May 31, and payment paid by June 30 prior to the new school year.  Routing for the upcoming school year is finalized in July based on active riders. 
• For new students: families may apply for transportation after the student is registered at the school and provided with their Student ID. This allows for verification of address.

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.
   • Returning students must apply before June 30 for the following school year
   • New students may apply after they have enrolled at their school and the primary address can be verified by student number
2. 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 a student requires transportation to an additional address (secondary residence that is on the student file), the family may apply for Dual Bussing (Learn about Dual Bussing).
3. An email following your application form will be sent confirming we have received you application.  Please contact email fsdtransportation@fsd38.ab.ca if you have not received this confirmation.
4. Transportation Services assigns students onto a bus and informs the Bus Driver of their roster.
5. Bus Driver contacts the family with pick-up location and times the end of August, before school starts.

Notes:

• Students requesting transportation after June 30, of any given year, must register by completing the online application form. Students will only be permitted to ride the bus once their application is received and approved by Transportation Services, and any applicable fees are paid. 
• In terms of the Alberta Education funding regulations there are two criteria for eligibility to receive bus service:
  1. Families qualify for transportation based on the following conditions:
     • Students registered in Foothills School Division (FSD) and attending a school within their designated attendance boundary; or
     • Students directed to a school outside their attendance boundary school for FSD some regional programs (these include French Immersion, and inclusive learning programs); and
     • Students whose residence (home address) is: 
       • 1.6 km* or more from their designated school for students in Kindergarten to grade 6
       • 2.0 km* or more from their designated school for students in grades 7 to 12
  2. If your child is ineligible, you may still apply and your child will be placed on a wait list. 
     If unsure, visit: https://fsd.mybusplanner.ca/TransportationEligibility
• Moved or no longer need service?
  • 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.

Before you apply, please have:

• Student number from Edsembli
• Accurate student address in Edsembli
  • If changes are required, submit a Student Verification form via the Edsembli Family Portal to update your address before applying for transportation services
• Familiarize yourself and your child with the bus safety information

Complete and submit the Transportation Application

Transportation Fees

Fees for transportation are as follows:

• $100 per rider, per residence
• Maximum $250 fee per household
• The transportation fee will be applied to student accounts on the Edsembli Family Portal 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
• Approved Dual Bussing to a secondary address follows the same fee schedule:
  • $100 per rider, per residence
  • Maximum $250 fee per household

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

Bus Passes  

Routes in-town Okotoks or High River:

• Bus passes, stop locations, and departure times will be available at the school the week before school starts. Students will need to always have their bus pass with to validate ridership. 
• If a student loses their bus pass, contact transportation for a replacement.
• Intown Schedules are posted online at the Foothills School Division Website.

Routes within Diamond Valley

• Bus passes, stop locations and departure times will be available at the school the week before school starts. Students will need to always have the bus pass to validate ridership. 
• If a student loses their bus pass, contact transportation for a replacement.

Rural Route Service

• Bus passes are not issued to rural riders
• Prior to the school start date, the driver will contact each family and inform them of their morning departure times and stop location.
• Throughout September, bus routes will be reviewed to ensure efficiency, and drivers will finalize departure times as soon as possible.
• Changes to the routes or riders may result in adjustments during the school year, and rivers will communicate any updates to departure times directly to parents.

Guest Students

• Guest students are not permitted onto school buses.  Students may only ride their registered/assigned route. This ensures a space for all registered riders. 

Cancellation of 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. 

Dual Bussing 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 a business, day home, 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. 
4. Fees for Dual Bussing are in addition to regular service fees and must be paid in full prior to ridership to the secondary residence is activated.

Contact

403-652-6547

FSDTransportation@fsd38.ab.ca