Who can Apply for Transportation?

How Long is My Application Valid?

Once processed, your application is good for the current school year.  You will need to apply every year if you still have transportation needs.

How do I Apply?

You can mail, fax, or email your application starting on August 1st.  Please note the following steps:

1)    Read and fill out the application completely.

2)    Beginning August 1^st, submit the completed application the following ways:

• by email to: transportation@psdschools.org
• by fax to: (970) 490-3522
• by mail to: Transportation Services  2445 Laporte Ave. Bldg J  Fort Collins, Co 80521
• in person to the above address

3)     Space available applications will be processed in the order they are received starting on October 1^st.  All other applications will be processed as they are received.

4)    Students may not ride the bus before their application is processed.  Please note that it is your responsibility to provide transportation while waiting for your application to be approved.

5)    Please submit a separate application for each student who needs transportation.  Applications with multiple students will not be accepted.

6)    You will be notified by phone when your application has been processed.  Please note that it may take 4-6 weeks after October 1^st to be notified for Space Available status.

What is Space Available Transportation?

Simply put, Space Available transportation is a program that is made available to familes who particpate in the School Choice program.  Please see the information below:

• Poudre School District board policy JFBA states: “Students may be required to furnish their own transportation to the choice school or program in which they are enrolled, unless it is determined that transportation is necessary for the District to comply with the requirements of state and federal law, including state and federal laws concerning homeless students and students with disabilities.”

• The expectation from the School Choice program is that round trip transportation is the responsibility of the parents.  

However, as a service to our community, we have elected to provide Space Available bussing to School Choice students who apply according to the following guidelines:

1. No new bus stops will be created for Space Available students.  The closet bus stop to the student’s address will be offered as long as there is room on the bus.  Our capacity limits can vary depending upon the age of students and type of bus.

2. It is the parent’s responsibility to transport their student to and from the bus stop assigned.

3. Preference will always be given to students who fall within the attendance boundary for the bus.  This means that if more eligible students start riding a bus, Space Available students could lose transportation.

4. Bus loads are evaluated throughout the year and transportation assignments will be adjusted accordingly.

Why Does it Take so Long to Process Space Available?

Several factors were taken into account when developing the current process.  Here are a few major ones:

• Waiting till October 1^st to process Space Available gives our staff time to concentrate on meeting the bussing needs of eligible students attending their neighborhood schools.  
• We take this time to evaluate student bus loads so we can determine where there is room for Space Available students.

Still have questions?  Give us a call at (970) 490-3232 and we'd be happy to help!