Transportation Fee Guidelines and Procedures

General Information

Students in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 8th grade may participate in the home to school transportation service sponsored and operated by the district for a fee. The district will provide pupil transportation for a fee when, in the judgment of the board of Trustees, such transportation is necessary, practical and economical, all in accordance with the regulations of the State of California and Board policies. Students in TK are only eligible for one-way (AM) transportation, while Kindergarten through 8th grade students are eligible to receive two-way transportation.

Walking Distances

 All existing policies and regulations regarding walking distance will remain in effect:

• Elementary – 2 Miles
• Middle – 2.8 Miles

Bus Passes

Bus passes will be sold on a monthly, semester, or annual basis.  Ticket books can be purchased at individual school sites. Bus pass applications will be accepted at the individual schools and the District Office at 1050 Main Street. 

Please note that walk-in applications will take 48 hours to process before a pass will be available at the individual schools.

Forms

School Bus Transportation Applications for passes may be obtained at the district website (www.rcsdk8.org), individual school site offices, or the District Office. 

Paying Online

Visit “Creating an Account and Making Online Payments for Bus Passes” for more information about how to pay online.

Inter/Intra District Transfers 

Bus service is NOT available for students on Inter/Intra District Transfers.

Special Class Students

Students who are placed on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who require specialized transportation because of a handicapping condition shall be exempt from transportation fees.  Special Education transportation applications are available through the Special Education Office, District Office or at the district website (www.rcsdk8.org).

New Student Enrollment

If a new student enrolls after the semester has begun and wants bus transportation, the parent/guardian will need to fill out a School Bus Transportation application.  The school sites or the District Office will calculate a pro-rated cost for transportation.  The bus driver will be notified of the new student rider. If your bus stop does not have a pick-up or drop-off time, please contact the transportation department.

Non-Authorization

If a student does not have a pass to ride a bus to or from school, the student’s name will be taken by the bus driver, a citation issued and given to the School Office.

Lost Passes

In the event a bus pass is lost or stolen, the parent should call the School Office and ask for a replacement pass.  A fee will be charged for lost/stolen bus passes.  Replacement passes will be processed within a day or two.  If you have any questions, please call the Transportation Dept. at 771-1600 ext. 50115

 STUDENTS MUST CARRY THEIR BUS PASS EVERY DAY

Refunds

Refunds will be made ONLY to parents/guardians with a semester or annual passes when a student is leaving the District.  This request shall be made in writing to the Business Office.  The refund will be prorated.  No refunds will be made on passes when the student has been suspended from the bus or school for disciplinary reasons or has moved within the school district. 

Returned Checks

A $10 charge will be imposed on checks not processed and returned by the bank to the school district. 

Safety, Student Behavior and Discipline

All existing policies and regulations regarding safety, student behavior, and discipline on school buses are in effect.  Any student whose riding privileges are suspended because of behavior problems will NOT receive a refund for the time suspended.

Change of Bus Exit

Students planning to get off the bus anywhere other than their normal bus stop must bring a note from their parent/guardian.  ALL notes to change exit must clear through the school office.  When the request is approved, a form will be filled out and given to the bus driver. 

Financial Hardship

Families experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for either a free or reduced**–price transportation pass.  Proof of income must be presented with application to be considered for reduced pricing

INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES (2024-25)

Household size	Year	Month	Twice per Month	Every Two Weeks	Week
1	$27,861	$2,322	$1,161	$1,072	$536
2	$37,814	$3,152	$1,576	$1,455	$728
3	$47,767	$3,981	$1,991	$1,838	$919
4	$57,720	$4,810	$2,405	$2,220	$1,110
5	$67,673	$5,640	$2,820	$2,603	$1,302
6	$77,626	$6,469	$3,235	$2,986	$1,493
7	$87,579	$7,299	$3,650	$3,369	$1,685
8	$97,532	$8,128	$4,064	$3,752	$1,876
For each additional family member, add:
	$9,953	$830	$415	$383	$192

**Families who qualify for reduced-price transportation will receive a reduction of the standard bus pass rates equal to half of the standard bus pass fair.**