Transportation
Our goal is to provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation to students who live in our school district.
Approximately 18,400 students (including nonpublic students) who reside within SoWashCo Schools boundaries will attend school this year. Roughly 14,000 will ride a school bus to and from school everyday. We work to ensure that students arrive at school ready to learn!
School year 2022-2023 Bus Information shows in Parent Portal.
Students may only ride their assigned bus to and from school.
Transportation eligibility can be reviewed below under Transportation Guidelines-Transportation Eligibility.
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Transportation Opt-in | Bus Status | Transportation Guidelines | Transportation Forms | Safe Routes to School | School Bus Conduct | School Bus Safety | Join Our Team
Contact
Department of Transportation
651-425-5303
transportation@sowashco.org
Special Education Bus Attendance
Please call 651-425-5303 if your student will be absent from Special Education transportation. Please Press 1 on the main menu for Special Education Routing.
Transportation Opt-In
SoWashCo Schools is moving to an opt-in transportation system starting in the fall to help ensure the most efficient routing for students eligible to ride a school bus. Every family must complete the opt-in form prior to next school year, 2023-2024.
About the Transportation Opt-in System
The opt-in system will help the district address the ongoing bus driver shortage and help to create more efficient and sustainable bus routes. Currently, all qualifying students are assigned a bus route, whether they need and/or use bus transportation. This results in empty seats on buses from students who never use bus transportation. Bussing will be provided based on opt in responses and bussing eligibility.
How to Opt-in
- Click the button below to complete the transportation opt-in form.
- Families do not need to log into their Campus Parent Portal to access the opt-in form.
- Once you have completed the form please make sure to submit it.
- If there are any issues with your opt-in form you will be contacted.
Questions About Transportation Opt-in?
Translation Services Available
Español: Si necesita un intérprete, llámenos. 651-425-6328
中文 (简体): 如果你需要翻译,请打电话给我们。651-425-6328
Hmoob: Yog koj tsis totaub qhov tsab ntawv, thov hu rau 651-425-6328 vim muaj yam tseem ceem. Ua koj tsaug.
Tiếng Việt: Nếu bạn không hiểu các thông tin, xin vui lòng gọi cho chúng tôi 651-425-6328.
Soomaaliga: Haddii aad u baahan tahay turjumaan, fadlan wac 651-425-6328.
Questions and Answers
- If my child(ren) is/are in a non-bussing zone (within walking distance) can I opt-in for transportation services?
- If my child(ren) only needs bus transportation occasionally should I opt-in for transportation services?
- If our family determines we need transportation services after opting out can we change our response?
- What happens if I don't complete the opt-in form?
- Can I opt-in but still drop off/pick up my child each day?
- Does the opt-in form include busing for sports and activities (busing to and from competitions or events)?
- When will the opt-in selections take effect?
- Should I complete the form for my child that receives special education busing?
- My child attends a private or charter school but receives transportation services from SoWashCo Schools. Do I need to complete the form for my child?
- Will I receive a confirmation email after submitting my form?
- What if I don't know my child's email address?
- Do I need to log into Parent Portal to complete the opt-in form?
If my child(ren) is/are in a non-bussing zone (within walking distance) can I opt-in for transportation services?
If my child(ren) only needs bus transportation occasionally should I opt-in for transportation services?
If our family determines we need transportation services after opting out can we change our response?
What happens if I don't complete the opt-in form?
Can I opt-in but still drop off/pick up my child each day?
Does the opt-in form include busing for sports and activities (busing to and from competitions or events)?
When will the opt-in selections take effect?
Should I complete the form for my child that receives special education busing?
My child attends a private or charter school but receives transportation services from SoWashCo Schools. Do I need to complete the form for my child?
Will I receive a confirmation email after submitting my form?
What if I don't know my child's email address?
Do I need to log into Parent Portal to complete the opt-in form?
Current Delays:
All routes are running on time.
Current Cancellations:
Due to Bus Driver shortages the following routes are cancelled until further notice.
Canceled Elementary School Bus Routes (May 30-June 6):
- Nuevas Fronteras
- Afternoon Route - Sun #74
- Morning Route - Starfish #91
Canceled Middle School Bus Routes (May 30-June 6):
- Oltman Middle School
- Afternoon Route - Sun #74
Canceled High school & Non Public School Bus Routes (May 30-June 6):
- New Life Academy
- Afternoon Route - Sun #74
- Transportation Eligibility
- Bus Ridership
- Bus Routes
- Bus Stops
- Bus Stop Criteria and Information
- Open Enrolled and Intra-District Transfer
- Nonpublic School Students
- Special Education Bus Attendance
- Transportation To / From Daycare
Transportation Eligibility
Bus Ridership
Bus Routes
Bus Stops
Bus Stop Criteria and Information
Open Enrolled and Intra-District Transfer
Nonpublic School Students
Special Education Bus Attendance
Transportation To / From Daycare
If you do not see a form appropriate for your request please contact our Transportation representative directly at 651-425-5302.
- Alternate Bus Stop Request 2022-2023
- Non-Resident Busing Request Form 2022-2023
- Safety Review of Current Bus Stop
- Type III Transportation Training (for staff only)
- Field Trip Transportation Request (for staff only)
Alternate Bus Stop Request 2022-2023
Non-Resident Busing Request Form 2022-2023
Safety Review of Current Bus Stop
Type III Transportation Training (for staff only)
Field Trip Transportation Request (for staff only)
- What is Safe Routes to School
- Why Does SoWashCo Schools Participate in Safe Routes to School
- Rethink Your School Commute
- Get Involved with Safe Routes to School
- What are Walk and Bike to School Days
- Benefits of Safe Routes to School Choices
What is Safe Routes to School
Why Does SoWashCo Schools Participate in Safe Routes to School
Rethink Your School Commute
Get Involved with Safe Routes to School
What are Walk and Bike to School Days
Benefits of Safe Routes to School Choices
Please remind students to follow bus safety and behavior rules. Any misbehavior or inappropriate actions will be addressed by the bus driver and/or reported to the Department of Transportation for follow up. Consequences for misbehavior will be implemented and may include assigned seating, parent contact, principal contact, bus suspension, school detention and/or removal of all transportation privileges.
School Bus Safety Tips
STudent Bus Safety Training
Are you looking for a rewarding job with competitive pay and benefits? If so, Transportation would love to have you on the SoWashCo Schools team! We are currently hiring bus drivers, we will fully train you to become a great bus driver. SoWashCo Schools is a great place to work with a strong sense of community, but the best part of the job is the students! Just ask those who work here.