Parents waiting for the first time with their kids to board the school bus is a time-honored tradition, but policies vary on who can ride the bus and what it costs.
Here’s what you need to know about school transportation options.
Who in Kansas gets a guaranteed school bus ride?
Kansas state law provides free school bus rides for any student living in the district if they have to travel farther than 2.5 miles by road to school.
There are some exceptions. Federal law requires all students experiencing homelessness receive transportation to school.
And students with an individualized education plan requiring transportation can ride for free, even if they live less than 2.5 miles from school.
Wichita Public Schools also makes exceptions for students who face hazardous conditions. Exceptions vary in other districts.
Parents must provide transportation for students attending a school outside their home district.
How to find your school bus route
Parents should contact their school district’s transportation office to check their eligibility and find out when and where to expect school buses.
Wichita Public Schools
Bus provider: First Student Inc.
How to access services: ParentVUE account, or call the transportation office at 316-973-2190.
Restrictions: Students within 2.5 miles of assigned schools can take Wichita Transit.
Pay-to-ride: Wichita Transit — discounts available for WPS students.
Derby Public Schools
Bus provider: Staff.
How to access services: District website, or call the transportation office at 316-788-8450.
Restrictions: Students within 2.5 miles of assigned school must pay to ride — $300 per student, per year ($550 cap per family). Income-based waiver possible.
Andover Public Schools
Bus provider: First Student Inc.
How to access services: District website, or call the transportation office at 316-247-1926.
Restrictions: Students within 2.5 miles of assigned school must pay to ride — $250 per student, per year ($750 cap per family). No out-of-district students.
Maize Unified School District 266
Bus provider: Staff.
How to access services: District website, or call the transportation office at 316-722-0582.
No pay-to-ride program
Goddard Public Schools
Bus provider: Staff.
How to access services: District website, or call the transportation office at 316-794-4291.
Restrictions: No busing for most students residing outside their assigned school’s boundary.
No pay-to-ride program
Valley Center Public Schools
Bus provider: Staff.
How to access services: District website, or call the transportation office at 316-755-7112.
No pay-to-ride program
Haysville USD 261
Bus provider: Staff.
How to access services: District website, or call the transportation office at 316-554-2213.
No pay-to-ride program
Beyond the school bus
A recent Washington Post analysis found that kids don’t ride school buses as much as in years past. Nationwide, 53% of kids get dropped off or drive themselves.
The rise of remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic helped fuel this shift. Parents working from home have more flexibility to shuttle their kids to and from school.
Wichita Public Schools issued tips for drivers, including carpool opportunities. Parents can call WPS Transportation at 316-973-2190 for more information.
Walking and biking were the main ways kids got to school 50 years ago, and they’re still common methods today, especially for families that need to watch their budgets.
In the last year, rideshare services like Uber have begun accepting unaccompanied passengers aged 13 to 17. Solo riders previously had to be 18 or older.
