FAQ
- Who is eligible for transportation?
- How is mileage measured?
- My child has special needs - who do I contact?
- How is my child assigned to a bus?
- When will I be told the pick up time for my child’s bus stop?
- When will I be notified of my child’s stop for the new school year?
- What if the bus is late or does not come?
- How will I know if there is a school delay or closing?
- I am interested in applying to a magnet school. Will my child receive transportation?
- My child is enrolled in Pre-K is he/she eligible for transportation?
- I am considering a PS 6 school transfer. Will my child receive transportation?
- What if I move during the school year and don’t want to change schools? Will my child continue to receive transportation to his/her current school?
- What if my child is not eligible for transportation, but I think the area is unsafe for her/him to walk?
- What if my child needs transportation for a medical condition?
Who is eligible for transportation?
Regular Education Transportation:
Elementary and middle school students who live more than 1.5 miles from the school they attend are eligible for transportation. Secondary school students who live more than 2 miles from their school are also eligible.
Students with Exceptionalities Transportation:
Please contact the Students with Exceptionalities office to determine eligibility at 412-529-3132 .
**All students must be city residents and attend either a school within the City of Pittsburgh or a nonpublic school within a ten mile radius of the city limits.
How is mileage measured?
Per 24 PS 13-1366 of Pennsylvania Public School Code, All such distances shall be computed by the public highway from the nearest point where a private way or private road connects the dwelling house of the pupil with the highway to the nearest point where said highway touches the school grounds of the school to which the pupil has been assigned.
My child has special needs - who do I contact?
Parents/guardians should contact the Students with Exceptionalities office at 412-529-3132 to discuss eligibility guidelines.
How is my child assigned to a bus?
Bus assignments are determined based on the home address in the student’s record. This information is entered by the school staff for regular education transportation students. The information for exceptional students is entered by PSE staff (Program for Students with Exceptionalities).
When will I be told the pick up time for my child’s bus stop?
Mailers are sent to the home address within 24 hours after student transportation has been assigned. If you do not receive the mailer within 5-7 days, please contact the school to ensure that your correct home address has been entered into their system.
When will I be notified of my child’s stop for the new school year?
Parent notification mailers are sent out in mid August and during the school year as needed.
What if the bus is late or does not come?
Students are expected to be at the designated pickup location 10 minutes prior to pickup time and to wait until at least 20 minutes after scheduled pickup time. If the bus comes within that time period and the child misses the bus, it is the parents’ responsibility to transport child to school. If the bus is late or does not come, refer to your School Bus Number (ex. L401) located on your transportation mailer and contact the carrier garage (phone numbers are on the mailer and on PPS website) for more information. If after speaking to the garage staff you are still not satisfied, contact the Transportation office at 412-529-8125.
How will I know if there is a school delay or closing?
We will make every effort to place the update on local television and radio stations as soon as possible. You may also visit our District's home page or contact the Parent Hotline at 412-529-HELP.
We will also call the home using our phone messaging system. Please make sure the school has your up to date contact information in their system.
If my child attends a magnet school will he/she receive transportation?
Yes. Students attending magnets who meet District eligibility guidelines will receive transportation.
My child is enrolled in Pre-K. Is he/she eligible for transportation?
Students enrolled in our Pre-K programs do not receive transportation. The only exception are students with an exceptionality that were placed by Early Intervention.
I am considering a PS 6 school transfer for my child. Will my child receive transportation?
No. A PS 6 transfer precludes transportation.
What if I move during the school year and don’t want to change schools. Will my child continue to receive transportation to his/her current school?
If a family moves during the school year, students may remain at their current school for the remainder of that school year. To continue at the current school, the parent / guardian must apply for a PS 6 transfer with the student’s current school. Please see the PS 6 transfer guidelines listed directly above.
Please note that you must change your student's address information at the school (if the student receives regular education transportation) or at PSE, 412-529-3132 (if your child receives transportation thru Students with Exceptionalities). We cannot process any address changes in Pupil Transportation.
What if my child is not eligible for transportation, but I think the area is unsafe for her/him to walk?
If the area is unsafe for walkers, you may be eligible for transportation. First, you will need to print and complete a Hazardous Route Form. Next, you must submit it to your principal so that he/she can complete their portion of the form and forward it to Pupil Transportation. All forms received by Pupil Transportation are sent to PENNDOT for review. Determinations are made by PENNDOT in accordance with state mandated guidelines PA Code 447.4, Hazardous Walking Routes. PENNDOT will review the nature of the hazard, if any, and make a final decision. You will be notified by mail from our Transportation Office of PENNDOT's decision.
What if my child needs transportation for a medical condition?
If your child has an injury or medical condition, you and your child’s physician will need to complete a Medical Form and submit it to Health Services. They will then inform us of your child's eligibility for medical transportation. Should your child qualify, you will be notified by mail of the new arrangements.