Guidelines for School Bus Operations

Distance requirements are one of the primary standards for school bus service.  In general, elementary students in grades K-6 are authorized school bus services if they reside more than one mile from their authorized school and live within the established commuting zone.  Students in grades 7-12 are authorized school bus service if they reside more than one and one half miles from their authorized school and live within the established commuting zone of the installation.  

The commuting zone is a designated area where school bus service is provided to students residing outside the walking area.  The walking area is the distance a student may be required to walk between their residence and the school or bus stop.  DoD will not provide school bus service within the designated walking area.  The Student Transportation Office (STO) as well as the Housing Office have posted maps of the commuting zone and can also provide a list of apartment and residences where school bus services are provided.  It is important for sponsors to visit one of the previously listed offices before entering into a lease agreement.  In accordance with DoD 4500.36-R, the sponsor must acknowledge he or she has been advised of the DoDDS transportation commuting zone and understands his or her their responsibilities should they obtain housing outside the commuting area at the Housing Office.         

Bus stops are located in centralized areas of the school bus commuting zone.  Students may be required to walk to the designated bus stop.  For grades K-6, students may be required to walk one mile to their bus stop.  For grades 7-12, students may have to walk one and one half miles to their bus stop.  All students are required to show their bus pass prior to boarding the bus and upon demand. 

Space required students are authorized to ride DoDDS school buses, provided they reside within the established commuting zone.  Sponsors who decide to obtain housing outside of the established commuting zone are responsible for student transportation between their residence and school or nearest school bus stop.  Space available students may board school buses at the nearest bus stop within the commuting zone on a space-available basis.  To ride a bus on a space-available basis, the sponsor must first register the student at the STO of their assigned installation.  If space is available, the STO will assign a bus route and issue a picture bus pass for each student

 No greater quantity of carry-on baggage or equipment will be permitted in daily commuting vehicle than can be safely carried on the passenger’s lap or can be stored under the seat.  Aisles, doors, windows, steps or emergency exits should never be blocked.  If it is necessary to bring a large item to school for a project or other reason, the sponsor should make arrangement by other means of transport.  Students should be at their assigned bus stop at least 5 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.  Parents or guardians who have to meet children in the afternoon should be at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to bus arrival.  Students in pre-school through 2nd grade must be met by a parent or designated individual.  If not, student will be returned to school, STO, Youth Services or established location.