The Office of Transportation Services is responsible for providing the safe and efficient transportation of all eligible students to and from schools and school activities each day. To accomplish this monumental task, a team of dedicated routing, safety, and administrative specialists combined with a host of drivers and attendants work together to maintain a high level of service for all of our clients.
Bus Transportation
Our dedicated team works together every day to ensure the safe transportation of our students. Safety is also the reason that we do not post school bus routes and bus stops on our website. If you need that information for your student, you must go in person to the school. Schools will mail bus schedules to families in August of each school year.
If you have concerns about your child’s school bus transportation, speak to the transportation supervisor responsible for your school or call the Office of Transportation Services at 703-446-2000.
For any concerns after hours (after 5:30 p.m.), you will need to contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
Bus Delay Notification System
Stay up-to-date on school bus arrivals with FCPS’ bus delay notification system. This system provides parents with timely notification of late bus route information. Parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the FCPS Mobile App to receive the delayed bus report. Morning route information will be available until noon. Afternoon bus route information will be available from 1 to 7 p.m.
E-Notify (BlackboardConnect) email messages will also be sent to announce bus delays. Need assistance or have questions? Contact the Transportation office listed for your school. For any concerns after hours (after 5:30 p.m.), contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000.
Kindergarten Transportation
Kindergarten students who ride the bus in the afternoon are to be met at the bus door and asked for by name by a parent, parent designee, guardian, or a responsible middle school age or higher sibling. Children will be returned to school if the driver has concerns for their safety.
In case of emergencies such as road closures, accidents, or weather related road problems, drivers may use safe transportation-approved alternate locations to pick up or drop off students. If there is not a safe transportation-approved alternative stop, the driver may choose to return to school.
Drivers may also choose to return to the school if they have concerns regarding the safety of releasing a student at a regular stop, or if a child expresses concern for any reason about getting off of the bus.
Walking and Bicycling
Safe Routes to School programs get kids physically active and take cars off the road. In the last 40 years, we have seen student walking and bicycling to school decline from 48% (1969) to 13% (2009). During this same time period, the percentage of parents using Kiss and Ride has increased. The increase in Kiss and Ride users has complicated traffic conditions around many schools and has made it more difficult for student walkers and bicyclists to get to school.
Kiss and Ride
The increase of Kiss and Ride users has complicated traffic conditions around many schools and has made it more difficult for student walkers and bicyclists to get to school. The Kiss and Ride program is the name given to the area where students transported by private vehicles are picked up and dropped off. The location is normally separate from school bus areas, enabling schools to avoid problems associated with cars passing buses or cars parking in “bus only” areas or fire lanes.
Kiss and Ride areas have several important features:
- Adult supervision provided by a school staff member, normally assisted by student safety patrols.
- Clearly designated and marked areas with signs.
- Safe private vehicle traffic flow since the vehicles are not in the same driveway as school buses.
Driving to School
Student parking permits will be offered for sale through the high schools. A valid driver’s license is required. A temporary 90-day paper or provisional license is fine. However, no learners permits that strictly require the student to drive with a licensed driver are accepted.
Free Student Bus Pass Program
Students can now sign up for the Free Student Bus Pass Program at all Fairfax County public high schools and middle schools, and ride the Fairfax Connector for free! Find more information at your school’s administration office. You need to have your parent’s or guardian’s approval for signing up. Visit the Fairfax Connector website for more information on the program.
