Transportation Information Line

The District has a phone information line that includes transportation information. When you call 252-0212 and enter the student ID number and birth date you can get that student's bus route information. This system will also call students' homes and play a short message informing them when their bus is expected to operate more than 20 min late. Ballard and Franklin high school students' click here for Metro Transit Information.(top)

Calling the Transportation Office

The Transportation Office phone number, 252-0900, is answered by our Operational Control room and is staffed with Dispatchers, Route Planners and Intervention Associates. If you call, the operator will answer and ask you how they can direct your call.

First, tell the operator the reason for your call. For example:

• Late bus/missed bus
• Cancel/Resume door service routes (special Services, EEU, Headstart Students)
• Service complaint / commendation
• Change of daycare or alternate address
• Stop change request

The operator will transfer your call to someone who can assist you. Be ready to give your student's route number and identification number which are found on your assignment notification, and please be patient. We have a limited number of lines, so allow time for your call.

We receive the highest number of calls when our buses are on the road. These hours are 7:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Late and missed buses, and cancellations and resumes for special programs are priority calls during these hours. If you have questions or comments that are not urgent, please wait to call during the hours when the buses are not operating. (top)

Service Complaints/Commendations

Your complaint or commendation will be recorded. Complaints will be investigated. You will receive a call back or a written response if requested. (top)

Student Pick-up Time

Students should be at their assigned bus stop at least five (5) minutes before scheduled pick-up time. (top)

Changes in Route, Time of Pick-up

All route changes will be completed through the Transportation Office as needs arise. Parents and students will receive one day prior notification before any changes are implemented. (top)

Change of Address

If you move be sure to contact your school immediately. They can advise you of your options. Students assigned to ride Metro transit buses can check their Metro routes on line. Click here to view the Metro Online Trip Planner at Metro Online Tools.(top)

Visiting Students

If a student wishes to visit or be visited by another student and rides the school bus, a temporary bus card (green card) should be requested at the school for this purpose. Authorization for riding the school bus is based on space availability. (top)

Late Buses/Missed Buses

Drivers will run routes as scheduled. However, due to traffic or other unforseen difficulties, there may be a delay. If the bus is late, your child should remain at the stop. The bus, or a replacement bus will complete the run as soon as possible. In the event the bus is more than twenty (20) minutes late, call us and alternate transportation may be provided. If the student misses the bus because of failure to arrive at the bus stop on time, you will have to provide transportation. Remember... to save time know your route number and student's ID number before you call. A backup plan should be worked out with the students in the event the bus is late. If your student does not arrive home when expected, call your school. If school is closed, call Transportation and we will contact appropriate school personnel and radio the bus driver. (top)

Stop Change Request

Our buses carry up to 65 elementary students. Stops are located to accommodate the most students in one area. This may result in up to a 7 block walk for elementary students and a 10 block walk for secondary students.

The walk route for elementary students will not cross a major arterial. If it is necessary to change a stop, or put in a new one, the pick-up time for every student on the route may change.

If you have a concern about the location of a stop, because of traffic or crime and illicit activities in the neighborhood, call the Transportation Office and a Stop Change Request form will be mailed to you. (top)

Parents/Guardians Riding Buses

Parents and guardians may ride yellow school buses when involved in a school activity if seating is available, and if requested through the District Transportation Office one day in advance. (top)

Emergency Transportation

If a student is ill, he or she should not be sent to school due to the possibility of infecting other students. If a student becomes ill in school, the parent or guardian will be requested to come to the school to pick-up the student. In emergency situations, special transportation may be provided by the District to an address within the District. The request for this service must originate from the school and there must be an adult at the address to receive the student. (top)

Emergency Exit Drills

Two emergency exit drills are required on each bus during the school year. All drills will be conducted in the school bus loading zone.(top)

To and From Bus Stops

Parents are responsible for student safety to and from bus stops. Students should be reminded to follow the rules for pedestrians, crossing streets only at intersections using cross walks and traffic light controlled locations where provided. (top)

Bus Safety Features

Our buses are equipped with high back seats padded to form a seating compartment designed to protect the students in the event of a sudden stop. This approach has proven more effective than seat belts. Additionally, crossing arm gates are installed on the front of all yellow school buses as an added safety feature.(top)

Video Cameras and Video Boxes

A number of our school buses are equipped with video boxes in which we can place cameras to monitor student behavior. We have found the cameras to be valuable for driver training and for resolving student management issues.(top)

Ice and Snow Emergency Schedules

For the most up-to-date emergency schedules, go to our district home page. Students assigned to Metro Transit click here for service information during adverse weather.

You may also view the following site: schoolreport.org

In early November, snow route information will be mailed to your home. Parents should select the safest alternative stop for their students in the event emergency snow routes are announced. If stations do not mention the Seattle School District, school bus transportation will be operating on regular routes at regular times. Major radio and TV stations will communicate one of three messages for emergency operation. These messages include:

1. Schools open on time - buses operating on time on Snow Routes. No door to door service No Head Start. No A.M. or P.M. Kindergarten.
2. Two hours late - buses operating on Snow Routes. No door to door service. No Head Start, No A.M. or P.M. Kindergarten.
3. Two hours late - buses operating on Regular Routes. No door to door service. No Head Start. No A.M. or P.M. Kindergarten.
4. Schools closed.

Every effort will be made to operate the routes on time. When appropriate, school buses will be chained. However, ice and snow emergencies create other traffic problems that cause delays. Students should be dressed in warm clothing before they leave for the bus stop and a backup plan should be worked out with the students in the event the bus is late. (top)