Transportation
All students who plan to ride the bus must complete bus registration annually. The open registration period runs from May 1 through July 1, and bus routes are developed based on students who register during this time. Families who register by July 1 can expect to receive their child’s bus route information during the first week of August.
Registrations submitted after July 1 will still be accepted but may result in a delayed start date or placement on a waitlist.
For registrations submitted after the school year has started, please allow at least three school days to receive a notification from our transportation provider regarding your registration. Additional processing time may be necessary at the beginning of the school year due to high registration volume or route adjustments.
General Education Bus Service Eligibility
Mileage is calculated in accordance with Kansas law from the front door of the residence to the front door of the school using the most direct route. All students residing 2.5 or more miles from their enrolled school are eligible for free transportation, including students attending a Four–Year Academy. All riders will be assigned to one bus stop based on their primary address.
For students residing less than 2.5 miles from their enrolled school, payride transportation is offered on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis for:
- Secondary students residing between 1.5-2.49 miles from their enrolled school, including students attending a Four-Year Academy
- Elementary students residing between 1.0-2.49 miles from their enrolled school
- Students living within a transportation variance area
Please note that unpaid bus fees from prior school years may result in delayed service for the current school year.
Parent-initiated transfer students and non-resident students are not eligible for district-provided transportation, as stated in Board of Education policies JBC and JBCC.
Check Your mileage and eligibility with the School Locator
Payride Bus Information
- Early discount, beginning May 1-June 15 is $236.
- Standard rate, beginning June 16 is $315.
- Second semester only rate opens December 1 and is $157.
To establish a payride bus route, a minimum number of riders is required. If a route is already in place, seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on space.
Students who qualify for the federal free and reduced‑price meal program will not be charged transportation fees. An application for the federal free and reduced‑price meal program must be completed for each school year. If a student qualifies, parents or guardians must check the transportation box on the Consent for Disclosure form to allow this eligibility to be shared with the transportation department.
Students who are required to pay for bus service will receive an email with payment instructions after they have been assigned to a bus route. Payments can be made in installments through the InTouch Online Payments Portal. Full fees are due regardless of how often the service is used, and no additional discounts are offered for students who ride the bus only once per day.
Cancellations must be submitted by email to the appropriate transportation provider. Refunds, either full or partial, may be issued upon request if a student moves out of the district or to an area not served by the route.
Special Services & Early Childhood Bus Request & Information
Students receiving special education services or enrolled in early childhood programs may qualify for transportation based on school team recommendations. Transportation is available to and from home or daycare within the school boundary, with curbside stops when possible. A transportation request must be submitted for new riders or changes, with at least three school days for processing. Temporary changes cannot be accommodated. Early childhood and special services students must be released to a guardian or approved designee. Kindergarten through age 21 students may be released without a guardian present if written permission is emailed to the Olathe Public Schools Transportation Department or submitted via the transportation request form.
Register for the service that best meet your student's needs:
NOTE: A link for general education bus service registration will be provided here May 1.
Student Safety and Notifications
Frequently Asked Questions
- What transportation is available for Two-Year Academy students?
- How is the transportation provider determined?
- Who should I contact with questions about bus stops, pick-up and drop-off times or schedule changes?
- Who should I contact if my child will be absent or no longer needs transportation service?
- What happens if my child misses the bus to go home?
- Can my child's friend ride home with them on the bus?
- How will student behavior concerns be handled?
- Who do I contact if my child left something on the bus?
What transportation is available for Two-Year Academy students?
How is the transportation provider determined?
Who should I contact with questions about bus stops, pick-up and drop-off times or schedule changes?
Who should I contact if my child will be absent or no longer needs transportation service?
What happens if my child misses the bus to go home?
Can my child's friend ride home with them on the bus?
How will student behavior concerns be handled?
Who do I contact if my child left something on the bus?
Contact
OPS Transportation Department
email Olathe Public Schools Transportation Department
or call 913-780-8082.