Who is eligible for transportation?
A student eligible for transportation under the Education Act lives at least 1.6 km from their designated school (Grades K-6) and at least 2 km from their designated school (Grades 7-12).
What school does my child attend?
Edmonton Catholic Schools supports each school by following the attendance boundaries established by the Division. Adherence to school boundaries promotes the viability of each school. If a parent chooses to enrol their child in a school of choice and not the designated neighbourhood school, it is the parent's responsibility to transport the child. Transportation Services must follow Division boundaries to provide equitable and sustainable services for our students.
How are bus stops determined?
All bus stop locations are with student safety in mind. Students board and get off buses at designated school bus zones, transit zones, future transit zones, the far side of crosswalks, or the far side of intersections. These locations promote consistent crossing practices that are safe for students.
Stop locations are based on applications before the application deadline. Stops are designed to be equitable while accommodating students in the same geographic area. Transit stops are the preferred locations as they have snow clearing in the winter, and transit stop signs increase visibility, improving student safety.
Who is responsible for my child before and after riding the bus?
It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility for the child(ren) before and after riding the bus. Please ensure your child(ren)’s safety while getting to and from the bus pick-up/drop-off points.
Will my child be released from the bus if I am not there?
Division transportation policy requires that a parent/guardian be present at the scheduled drop-off location and time for all students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 . If no one is available, the student will be returned the school at the end of the route.
In the event a parent/guardian is unable to be at the bus stop for drop off, a sibling in grade 6 or higher is permitted to take their younger siblings off the bus.
Students in grades 2-12 will be released without an parent/guardian present.
How long should my child wait at the bus stop?
Parents are advised that if a bus does not arrive within 10 minutes of its scheduled time, they assume the bus is not coming. Parents must ensure that their child knows to return home or to a pre-selected location, and it is the responsibility of the parents to make alternate arrangements to get their child to school.
Why can’t my child start taking the bus right away?
The student must be on the route schedule and seating plan before accessing yellow bus transportation. The school and the bus driver must know which students are on the yellow bus; this is a best practice to ensure the safe transportation of all students.
Changes in the design of a route will have an impact on all riders. Therefore, requests for adjustments must be authorized through the Division Transportation Services office. Route changes only occur on Wednesdays and can take up to 2-3 weeks to be processed.
What happens if I am not at the bus stop to meet my child who is in Kindergarten or Grade 1?
It is the parent's responsibility to ensure that a parent/guardian is available to receive Kindergarten or Grade 1 students at the scheduled drop-off location and time. If no one is available, bus drivers are instructed to contact the carrier, communicate this information, and continue the route. At the end of the route, drivers will return the student to the school.
In the event a parent/guardian is unable to be at the bus stop for drop off, a sibling in grade 6 or higher is permitted to take their younger siblings off the bus.
How long are ride times?
Ride times for regular programs are up to 60 minutes one-way, and for schools of choice (language programs) are up to 90 minutes one-way.
We are moving, how do we get a new bus route or cancel?
If your address changes, please submit a Transportation Change Request Form to Transportation Services as soon as possible to avoid service delays.
What if my ETS Arc bus pass is lost or stolen?
ETS Arc card: the replacement fee is $6.00. A new card must be purchased through the student's school. Arc cards purchased externally cannot be used for youth pass payment reloads.
Note: The Division is no longer utilizing yellow bus passes starting September 2025
Do you need help with fees?
Talk to your child’s school to see if your family is eligible for a fee reduction or other payment options.
How will I be notified if I am not eligible for transportation?
Transportation Services will contact you. Questions regarding eligibility for transportation can be answered by the school or by calling Transportation Services at 780 441-6078 or email transportationservices@ecsd.net.
Is your child new to riding the school bus?
Whether your child is starting school, transitioning to Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), or in need of a refresher, our free First Riders event helps families become familiar with riding the bus before the new school year begins. This event take place every August. More information will be released on our website towards the end of the current school year. Stay tuned!