Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out my child’s bus stop information, including bus number and stop times?
You should contact the school your child attends for this information. You may also log into BusPlanner to find out your child’s bus information. When it comes to the bus stop time, we have a 10 minute policy before and after the established stop time.
My child is not assigned to a bus. How do I get my child assigned to a bus and how long will it take?
You should contact the bus coordinator at the school your child will be attending. The bus coordinator will assist you in completing the necessary information that is required to sign up for a bus. Please allow up to 10 business days for your child to be assigned to a bus. You can always reach out to the school for the status of the request or you can log into BusPlanner to check as well.
Can I request a different bus than the one my child is assigned to?
In order for a child to ride a bus other than the one he/she is assigned to, the parent must reach out to the school for the bus coordinator to complete an Extra Transportation Request. You may also complete the Extra Transportation Request on your own. This may take up to 20 business days for this request to be approved or denied. Please check with your child(s) school on the status of the request.
We have moved and I need to change my child’s address.
Contact the school your child attends for assistance and to complete the necessary paperwork.
How far can I expect my child to walk to the bus stop?
State Board Policy states that stops should be no closer than .2 of a mile.
My child’s bus has not shown up and/or is consistently late. Who can I call?
You should contact the school your child attends for this information.
The bus did not show up on time for my child. How long should he or she wait at the stop?
Your child should arrive at the stop at least ten minutes before the scheduled stop time in the morning. If there is a substitute driver, the times may not be absolutely consistent with the regular times. If the bus is late, ask your child to remain at the stop. Buses break down, roads are blocked, drivers become ill or have emergencies, but there will always be a bus at every stop. If the wait becomes extreme, please call your child(s) school.
Can school buses travel on private streets?
School buses can only travel on state-maintained roads or currently approved subdivisions.
Can my child stay inside the house until the bus arrives at the bus stop each morning?
It is the parent’s responsibility to have the students at the designated bus stop waiting for the bus. You can find your child(s) bus stop and time information on BusPlanner or you may reach out to the school.
Why are buses sometimes late?
School bus drivers can have the same reasons as motorists for being late. Traffic delays, trains, weather conditions, accidents or driver’s illness are just a few reasons. School buses also have mechanical breakdowns or “no starts” that cause delays in picking students up on time. In cases where the regularly assigned bus or driver is unable to pick up students, a separate bus and driver are dispatched to pick up the students as quickly as possible.
Why does the bus not stop at my house when there is a substitute driver?
When substitute drivers are covering bus routes, they are going to stop at the established bus stops according to the run sheets and GPS tablet. It is the parent’s responsibility to have the students at the designated bus stop waiting for the bus. You can contact the school for the bus stop location and times. You are can access that same information on BusPlanner.
What do I do if I need my child to be picked up or dropped off temporarily at another location other?
Stop location must be a current stop. You need to fill out an Extra Transportation Request at your child(s) school or complete the Extra Transportation Request Form online. This request may take up to 20 business days to complete. If its an emergency, the school will reach out to the Transportation Department to see what can be done to expedite the process in a timely manner.
We just moved to the area and would like to know what school my child will attend?
You may go to our BusPlanner website and input your address on that site. It will tell you what school zone you are in, the location of the school, the distances from that address to the school as well as the arrival and dismissal times. If you aren't able to get the information for the website, you can reach out to the Transportation Department at 252-462-2480.
Is transportation provided for students who do not live in the attendance area for the school they attend?
No. If your child attends school out of district, transportation is not provided.
Who do I contact regarding a discipline issue concerning my child while on the school bus?
Contact the bus coordinator or principal at your child’s school.
Where can I learn more about school bus safety?
Where can I learn more about the North Carolina School Bus Stop Law?
North Carolina School Bus Stop Law
Where can I find more information about crossing procedures for boarding and exiting a school bus?