New Bus Registration Information

Dear FSD Community,

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 BusPlanner Eligibility 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 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.

Applying for Transportation (link)

• 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. 
• LINK

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.

Transportation Update FAQ

What changes are taking place with transportation for the 2025-2026 school year?

• The walk limit (bus rider eligibility) has been reduced from 2.4 km to 1.6 km for students in kindergarten to grade 6 and 2.0 km for students in grades 7 to 12. 
  • This change was enforced through Alberta Ministerial Order 024/2024 that makes the School Transportation Amendment Regulation (link)
• A Transportation Service fee will be applied to the 2025 - 2026 year:
  • $100 per rider
  • Maximum $250 fee per household
  • The fee will not be applied until the approval of the application. 
  • For more information on fees, please see Administrative Procedure 506

Why is there a fee for bussing?

• Increased Costs: The cost of parts for insurance and vehicle maintenance has risen significantly, impacting our budget. 
  • Transportation costs have increased by 37% ($1.5 Million) since 2020
• Addressing Deficit: As outlined on our Advocacy page, the transportation department has been running a deficit, and this fee will help balance the budget and ensure continued service.
• New Buses: To accommodate new walk limits set by the province, seven additional buses were purchased, each costing $174,000 ($1.2 Million).
• Reduce empty routes: While the implementation of bus registration has reduced the number of ‘ghost riders’, there are still a number of riders who register for service and do not ride the bus. The empty routes are costly to the division. The combined fee and registration process aims to further reduce inefficient operations. 

Why are you now charging a fee?

• In prior years, the Transportation operating deficit has been supplemented by reserve funds. This is no longer sustainable as the funding for Transportation has not matched the increase in required costs.
• We know that a fee for transportation will be inconvenient for families and we have held off as long as possible, advocating for additional funding to meet the challenges faced by school boards. 

When are these changes occurring?

• The fees and new walk limits are in effect for school start on September 2, 2025.

When will school bus registration for the 2025-2025 school year open?

• Applications will open May 1, 2025.

How will I pay fees?

• Fees will be applied to the rider’s edsembli account.
• Payment of fees are to be made by June 30, 2025
• Non-payment of fees by the deadline will result in cancellation of application.

How can I tell if we are eligible for bussing?

• Eligibility can be determined using BusPlanner Eligibility. 
  • Given these new limits and potential interference with the current school year transportation registration, the BusPlanner Eligibility webpage will not be updated until mid-summer. 
• Eligibility for service is measured using the shortest driving route, not walking paths, as per the Ministerial Order. 
• If you are unsure if you are eligible for transportation, please submit an application and our team will review.