Navigating school transportation can be a significant part of a parent’s routine. Cleveland Public Schools (CMSD) is committed to providing safe and efficient transportation for eligible students. This guide answers frequently asked questions to help parents understand CMSD’s transportation services, ensuring a smooth start and consistent experience throughout the school year.
Understanding Transportation Eligibility for CMSD Students
Determining if your child is eligible for transportation depends primarily on the distance between your home and their assigned school. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria for Cleveland Public Schools:
For Students in Grades K-8:
- Eligibility starts for students living 1.00 mile or more from their home school.
- Yellow school bus service is typically provided for students residing within a 1.00-mile to 3.00-mile radius from their school. An exception applies to city-wide draw schools, where radius parameters might differ.
For Students in Grades 9-12:
- Students in high school are eligible for transportation if they live 1.00 mile or more from their home school.
- Transportation for this age group is provided through the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Eligible students receive RTA identification swipe cards to use public transportation.
It’s important to note that while the State of Ohio mandates transportation only for students in grades K-8 living more than 2 miles from school, Cleveland Public Schools goes beyond the state minimum to support its students residing further than 1 mile away. Transportation is not mandated by the state for grades 9-12, but CMSD provides RTA access to eligible high schoolers.
Special Circumstances and Transportation Arrangements
Special Transfers or Voluntary Assignments:
If your child attends a school via a special transfer or voluntary assignment (meaning it’s not their neighborhood school), transportation is not provided. By choosing a non-neighborhood school, parents implicitly waive transportation services. If transportation is a concern for these situations, contact Student Assignments to explore if a closer school with availability exists.
Students with Individual Education Programs (IEPs):
Transportation for students with IEPs is addressed directly within the student’s IEP document, managed by the Special Education Department. The IEP specialist determines and specifies transportation requirements. For any questions regarding IEP-related transportation, please reach out to the Special Education Department.
Transportation for Medical Needs:
If your child has a medical condition requiring transportation accommodations, a Medical Transportation Request form must be completed by your doctor and submitted to the Health Services office or school nurse for approval. Upon approval, this information is forwarded to the Transportation Department for appropriate arrangements. Assignments are typically made to the closest existing bus stop. This process must be initiated at the beginning of each school year or as needed.
Daycare Facility Transportation:
Transportation to daycare facilities is limited to approved Special Education students who are eligible for curb-to-curb services. This request must be resubmitted annually for continued service.
Sibling Ridership:
In cases where a special education student is picked up and dropped off at home, siblings may be allowed to ride along only if they are also transportation-eligible based on mileage guidelines (1.00 mile or more for grades K-6). Additionally, sibling ridership depends on available space on the bus.
Bus Routes, Assignments, and Daily Operations
Opt-In Requirement:
Cleveland Public Schools requires all families to opt-in for transportation each year prior to the start of school. To opt-in or for any questions regarding this process, parents should call (216) 838-4BUS (4287). Choosing not to opt-in does not affect your underlying transportation eligibility.
Address Changes:
To update your address, visit any neighborhood school or the Student Assignments Office at 1111 Superior Ave. You will need to provide verification documents such as a utility bill, pay stub, or driver’s license. Allow 24 to 48 hours for the updated information to reflect in the Transportation Office’s system before checking transportation eligibility.
Bus Assignment Notifications:
For students already registered and assigned to a school, bus assignments are sent electronically via email or through the Edulog Parent Portal (if signed up). For late registrations, call the Transportation Office at 216.838.4BUS (4287) to get your child’s bus assignment.
RTA Bus Passes:
Students eligible for RTA passes or swipe cards will receive them on the first day of school at their school office or a designated area within the school. RTA transportation is free for students starting on their first scheduled school day.
Bus Stop Locations and Changes:
CMSD utilizes cluster stops, and for safety and efficiency, students in grades K-8 may be required to walk up to one-quarter mile to their designated stop. While bus routes may pass by your house, door-to-door service is not feasible due to the large number of students transported daily. Changing assigned bus stops is generally not permitted unless there are significant safety concerns.
What to Do When Issues Arise:
- Bus Not Arriving: Ensure your child is at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time. Contact the Transportation Depot at 216.838.4BUS (4287) for information.
- Late Bus Drop-off: Allow extra time for potential traffic delays. First, contact your child’s school to confirm they boarded the bus. If they did, call 216.838.4BUS (4287) to check for bus delays or route issues.
- Unattended Stop for Young Students: For kindergarteners and curb-to-curb service students, a parent or authorized adult (18+) must be present at the stop. If no one is there, the student will be taken to New Max Hayes- 2211 West 65th Street. Contact 216.838.4BUS (4287) if this occurs. Note: Corner stop students in 1st grade and above can be released without an adult present.
- Bus Horn Usage: City ordinances restrict bus horn use to warning or emergency signals only. Drivers will not use horns to signal arrival at stops.
Transportation to Charter, Community, and Non-Public Schools
CMSD provides transportation or parental reimbursement for eligible students attending charter, community, or non-public schools, adhering to specific guidelines:
Grades K-8:
- Students must live beyond 1 mile from the school.
- If direct transportation isn’t feasible based on guidelines considering time, distance, number of pupils, and cost-effectiveness, parental reimbursement may be provided.
- Transportation or reimbursement is not provided if the travel time to the school exceeds 30 minutes.
Grades 9-12:
- Students must live 1 mile or more from the school.
- Eligible students receive an RTA bus pass.
For detailed inquiries about eligibility and reimbursement for these school types, contact 216.838.4BUS (4287).
Contact Information
For any further questions or concerns regarding Cleveland Public Schools Transportation, please contact the Transportation Department directly:
Transportation Department, Ridge Road Depot
3832 Ridge Road
Cleveland, Ohio, 44144
Phone: 216.838.4BUS (4287)
This guide is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Cleveland Public Schools transportation services. For the most up-to-date information and personalized assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Transportation Department.
