Navigating Student Transportation in NYC: A Comprehensive Guide to the Office of Pupil Transportation

Ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of students is a critical function within the New York City Department of Education (DOE). The Office Of Pupil Transportation (OPT) plays a central role in this endeavor, overseeing a vast network of buses, OMNY cards, and transportation services for public, charter, non-public, and preschool students. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how schools and administrators can effectively work with OPT to address their transportation needs.

Understanding Your Transportation Support System

For schools within the NYC DOE system, navigating transportation logistics involves understanding different levels of support. Knowing who to contact for specific issues is crucial for timely resolution and efficient operations.

When to Reach Out to Your Transportation Liaison

Think of your Transportation Liaison (TL) as your primary point of contact for day-to-day transportation matters. They are invaluable resources for public, charter, and non-public schools, offering support across a range of transportation-related topics. For school staff responsible for transportation, professional development opportunities are also available to enhance their expertise.

Your Transportation Liaison is your go-to contact for:

Application Access and Training: Guidance on accessing transportation-related systems and necessary training for staff.
Reporting Bus Delays: Informing OPT about buses arriving late to school.
Addressing Overcrowded Buses: Reporting instances of buses exceeding capacity.
Field Trip Assistance: Support in planning and arranging transportation for school field trips.
Student Eligibility Verification: Confirming student eligibility for transportation services.
OMNY Card Inventory Management: Help with checking and managing OMNY card inventory.
Bus Stop and OMNY Card Information Updates: Assistance with entering or updating bus stop and OMNY card details.
Driver and Attendant Concerns: Reporting issues or concerns related to bus drivers or attendants.
Session Time Inquiries: Clarification and assistance regarding school session times and their impact on transportation.
Bus Safety Drill Support: Guidance and resources for conducting bus safety drills.

Contact Information for Transportation Liaisons (TLs)

Find more Borough/Citywide office contacts.

When to Contact the Bus Company Directly

In certain situations requiring immediate, real-time information about a specific bus, contacting the bus company directly can be the quickest route to resolution.

Reach out to the Bus Company when:

Bus Not Arrived (Start/End of Day): A bus has not arrived at the school either before the school day begins or at dismissal time.
Real-Time Bus Location Needed: Your school needs to know the precise current location of a specific school bus.
Estimated Pick-up/Drop-off Time: Requesting an estimated time of arrival for a student’s pick-up or drop-off.

You can identify the bus companies assigned to your school and view route information using the School Route Search.

Direct Communication with the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT)

For broader, systemic issues or critical transportation problems that require intervention beyond the liaison or bus company level, contacting OPT directly is necessary.

Contact the Office of Pupil Transportation’s Customer Service Center at 718-392-8855 for:

Persistent Bus Delays: Ongoing issues with buses consistently arriving late or pick-ups being delayed.
Extended Student Ride Times: Concerns about students experiencing excessively long bus rides.
Bus Mechanical Issues: Reporting malfunctions or equipment problems on a school bus.
Bus Overcrowding/Capacity Issues: Addressing persistent problems with buses being consistently overcrowded.
Students on Wrong Buses: Instances of students being placed on incorrect bus routes.
Route Change Requests: Submitting requests for modifications to existing bus routes.
Student Injuries on Buses: Reporting any injuries a student sustains while on the school bus.
Accident Reporting: Reporting any accidents involving school buses.
Serious Issues with Transportation Personnel/Stakeholders: Addressing significant concerns involving drivers, attendants, bus companies, parents, or students that impact transportation safety or service.

In case of emergencies, always prioritize contacting 911 immediately.

It is also crucial to be aware of the DOE’s protocol for when a child goes missing.

NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) and Bus Tracking App Support

For non-public schools in New York City, many students rely on NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) for busing services. To enhance communication and provide real-time tracking, the NYC School Bus Caregiver app is available to parents and guardians. This app is accessed using their New York City Public Schools Account (NYCSA) credentials.

Ensuring parents/guardians can access both NYCSA and the bus tracking app is essential. This requires accurate parent/guardian information within the Non-Public Student Information System (NPSIS). Incorrect or missing information in NPSIS can prevent account creation and app access.

Facilitating Access to NYCSA and the NYC School Bus Caregiver App

Here are the steps non-public schools can take to ensure parents/guardians can utilize NYCSA and the NYC School Bus Caregiver App:

Verify NYCSA Access: First, confirm if the parent/guardian already has NYCSA access for their child at your school.
- If they lack access, proceed with the following steps.
Identity and Parentage Confirmation: Verify the identity of the adult and confirm their relationship as the student’s parent or guardian.
NPSIS Data Accuracy Check: Ensure parent/guardian information is accurate and complete within NPSIS.
NPSIS Updates and NYCSA Account Creation Code (ACC) Generation: If corrections or additions to parent/guardian data are needed in NPSIS, the system will automatically assess NYCSA eligibility and generate a unique NYCSA Account Creation Code (ACC).
- The ACC will be available in the NPSIS Parent/Guardian Download report within 24 to 48 hours after data updates.
ACC Distribution: Once the ACC appears in the NPSIS report (labeled as “Security Code”), securely share it with the eligible parent/guardian. This code is specific to each parent/guardian and student pair.
Troubleshooting Missing ACCs: If the ACC is not present in the NPSIS Parent/Guardian Download report after 48 hours, contact [email protected] providing your school’s NPSIS School Code and a list of affected students.

Refer to subsequent sections for detailed instructions on modifying or adding parent/guardian information in NPSIS. Always remember to encrypt any sensitive student information when communicating with parents/guardians via email, following the guidance outlined in Appendix C regarding student PII.

NYCSA Account Setup by Parents/Guardians: Guide parents/guardians to set up their NYCSA account.
- They will require the ACC and their child’s student ID number. The student ID can be found on transportation registration documents or the student’s IEP.
- If parents/guardians cannot locate the student ID, school staff can assist. Nonpublic schools using NPSIS can contact [email protected] for support. Schools not using NPSIS can email [email protected] for NYCSA support.
NYC School Bus Caregiver App Access: Parents/guardians use their existing NYCSA username and password to log into the NYC School Bus Caregiver App.

Updating Parent/Guardian Information in NYCSA via NPSIS

For non-public schools utilizing NPSIS, maintaining accurate parent/guardian details is crucial for NYCSA and bus app access. Here’s how to manage this information within NPSIS:

Access the NPSIS application using your DOE external user account email address (@doeexternal.nyc) and password.

DOE external user account login screen

Assigning a Parent/Guardian:
- Download and review the “School Roster” report to check for existing parent/guardian information and ACC status.
- If information is missing, use the “Add Student” function to add the student to your school’s roster.
- When adding a student via “Add Student,” you can simultaneously input parent/guardian details. To add or update an existing parent/guardian, navigate to “Add/Student Update.”
  - Go to “School Roster.”
  - Select the student; their record will be hyperlinked.
  - Click the student record to access “Add/Update Student.”
  - Here you can update student details, pre-assign transportation preferences, and add or modify parent/guardian information.
  - A security code/ACC for eligible adults will be generated within 48 hours. Contact [email protected] for inquiries.
Updating Existing Parent/Guardian Information:
- Download the “School Roster” report to verify existing parent/guardian information and ACC availability.
- If the parent/guardian record exists, follow the provided link to review and update information.
- If the parent/guardian is missing or inaccurate:
  - Go to “School Roster.”
  - Select the student; the student’s record will be hyperlinked.
  - Click the student record to go to “Add/Update Student.”
  - Update student information, transportation details, and make necessary additions or corrections to parent/guardian information.
  - A security code/ACC for eligible adults will be generated within 48 hours. For further assistance, contact [email protected].

For questions regarding the DOE Caregiver application, contact your school’s Transportation Liaison. For inquiries about NPSIS usage or the Parent/Guardian Roster screen, reach out to [email protected].

Public School Session Times and Transportation

For public schools, session times directly impact student busing schedules.

Annual Schedule Determination: Each spring, school principals establish the school schedule for the upcoming academic year, adhering to contractual obligations and New York State Education Department (NYSED) minimum instructional time requirements. Deviations from traditional contractual schedules require approval through the School-Based Option (SBO) process. Refer to the Session Time Memo for detailed information.
OPT Session Time Application: The school schedule is formally submitted to OPT via the Session Time Application. Prior to OPT review, the schedule undergoes review and approval by both the DOE and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT).
Busing Based on Session Times: Student busing is scheduled strictly according to each school’s officially established session times. Transportation is not provided for after-school programs or extracurricular activities.
STARS Application Integration: Once session times and contractual workday schedules are finalized in the Session Time Application, student schedules for all instructional time must be programmed within the STARS suite of applications. Consult the Elementary, Middle, or High School Academic Policy Guides for further details.
Extending the School Day: Schools may extend their school day beyond mandated hours through partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs)/non-profits and special grant opportunities. However, all mandated instruction and services, including those for English Language Learners (ELLs) and IEP-recommended programs for students with disabilities, must be delivered during the regular, mandated school day.
Session Time Change Requests: Requests to modify session times during the school year are reviewed in the order received. However, it’s important to note that changes impacting bus routing may not always be feasible to accommodate mid-year.

Specialized Transportation Record Entry (STRE) Updates in ATS

For public schools utilizing the ATS system, important updates have been made to the “medical alert code” field within the Specialized Transportation Record Entry (STRE) screen. A complete list of medical alert codes and their descriptions is available on the ATS Wiki.

Multi-Select Feature: The STRE screen now features a “multi-select” function, allowing users to choose up to five different medical alert codes for a student. For instance, if a student’s 504 Plan or IEP requires limited travel time, climate control/air conditioning, and a paraprofessional, users can select “A” for “limited travel time,” “T” for “climate control/air conditioning,” and “C” for “needs two seats” in the respective STRE fields in ATS.
Handling More Than Five Accommodations: If a student requires more than five transportation accommodations, select “M” for “miscellaneous” and email [email protected] to request a record update reflecting all necessary accommodations.
New Medical Alert Codes: Three new medical alert codes have been added to the menu: “harness,” “route with fewer students,” and “diabetes.”

Refer to the ATS Wiki for comprehensive information on STRE.

Preschool Busing Information

Transportation for preschool students involves specific contacts and procedures, distinct from those for older students.

Program Office Contacts for Preschool Transportation

Early Childhood program offices serve as the primary points of contact for preschool transportation information and support.

Contact your program’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) office or Early Intervention (EI) regional office in these situations:

Adult Accompany Approval: To confirm if an adult has been approved to accompany a specific child on the bus.
Child Not in Pre-K/EI Rider System: When a child is not appearing in the Pre-K/EI Rider System.

Bus Company Contacts for Preschool

Similar to school-age transportation, direct contact with the bus company is appropriate for real-time, bus-specific issues.

Contact a pre-K and Early Intervention bus company for:

Overcrowded Buses: Reporting instances of buses exceeding capacity.
Route Ridership Copies: Requesting copies of bus route ridership manifests.
Child’s Bus Route Details: Obtaining specific route information, including bus company name/phone, pick-up/drop-off locations, sequence, start date, etc.
Real-Time Bus Location: Requesting the current location of a bus.
Estimated Pick-up/Drop-off Times: Getting estimated times for a specific student.
Bus Not Arrived (Start/End of Day): A bus has not arrived at the school either before the session start or at dismissal time.

You can also use the School Route Search to view routes and bus vendors assigned to your program.

Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) Contacts for Preschool

For broader issues or critical situations concerning preschool transportation, contact OPT’s customer service center at 718-392-8855.

Contact OPT for:

Application Access and Training (Preschool Specific): Guidance and training related to preschool transportation applications and systems.
Bus Arriving Late to School: Reporting buses consistently arriving late to preschool.
Bus Not Arrived for Pick-up (After Start): Reporting a bus that has not arrived for afternoon pick-up after the preschool day has begun.
Child Left at School: Situations where a child has been left at the school after dismissal.
Issues with Transportation Personnel/Stakeholders (Preschool): Addressing problems involving drivers, attendants, bus companies, parents, or students within the preschool transportation context.
Child Riding Beyond Guidelines: Concerns about preschool children experiencing excessively long bus rides, exceeding recommended guidelines.
Child Injured on Bus (Preschool): Reporting any injuries sustained by a preschool child on the bus.
Child Placed on Wrong Bus (Preschool): Instances of preschool children being placed on incorrect buses.
Accident Reports (Preschool): Reporting accidents or instances of a preschool student hurting themselves on the bus.

In emergencies, always call 911 first.

School Responsibilities for OPT-Provided Transportation Services

Schools receiving transportation services from the NYC DOE Office of Pupil Transportation have specific responsibilities to ensure smooth, safe, and timely operations. Principals are asked to review and acknowledge these responsibilities when requesting OPT-provided bus service.

As a school principal requesting OPT bus service, it is understood and agreed that:

Shared Bus Routes: Bus routes may be shared with students from other schools, potentially of different ages and genders.
Stop-to-School (GE) Buses No Attendants: General Education (GE) “Stop to School” buses do not have attendants in addition to the driver.
Bus Discipline is School Responsibility: Managing student discipline on the bus is the school’s responsibility.
NYS Law 180-Day Limit: New York State law limits OPT-provided GE bus service to a maximum of 180 days within the DOE calendar.
Session Time Buffer: Buses may arrive up to 30 minutes before or after the school’s session time, and school personnel must be available to supervise students during these times.
Initial Route Creation by OPT: OPT will establish the initial bus stops and routes, but subsequent route management becomes the school’s responsibility.
Transportation Issue Reporting: School personnel are expected to contact their OPT Transportation Liaison or OPT’s Customer Service Unit by phone to report transportation-related issues.
Session Time DOE Approval: Submitted session times are subject to DOE approval.
Reimbursement Option for School-Managed Busing: Instead of OPT-provided service, schools may request reimbursement for bus service managed directly by the school by submitting additional information.

Regarding student OMNY cards, it is also understood that:

OMNY Card Distribution and Tracking: School personnel are responsible for receiving, distributing OMNY cards to eligible students based on grade and distance eligibility, and meticulously recording the serial number of each card distributed.
Lost/Damaged/Stolen OMNY Card Management: School personnel are responsible for reporting lost, damaged, or stolen OMNY cards promptly for deactivation and replacement.

Regarding all students, it is understood that:

Maintaining Accurate Transportation Data: School personnel are responsible for continuously maintaining accurate transportation data for each student in a prescribed manner.

Given these requirements:

Designated School Personnel and Training: The school will identify specific personnel responsible for these transportation tasks and ensure they participate in relevant transportation training workshops.

To proceed with a transportation service request and accept these conditions, complete and submit a Preliminary Request for Transportation Services. Applications for transportation services for the start of the school year in September must be received by June 1st.

After 4 PM Class Transportation

Schools with academic classes extending past 4:00 PM have specific procedures for transportation arrangements. Consult the After 4PM Information and Application Procedures document for detailed guidance. This document outlines options for requesting a DOE vendor bus or receiving reimbursement for using a school’s own vendor.

Regardless of the chosen method, a completed Transportation Request Form must be submitted to OPT before July 1st for the upcoming school year.

If after 4 PM service is approved by OPT, families of students using this service must submit a Parent Authorization Letter to the school before the student can ride the bus.

Transportation Reimbursement for Curb-to-School Eligible Students

In certain situations where DOE busing is unavailable, families, foster care agencies, or shelter staff may be eligible for transportation reimbursement.

Important Note: Reimbursement is not provided for transportation to related services outlined in a student’s IEP. Contact the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for assistance with related services transportation.

Eligible Student Groups for Reimbursement:

Students in Temporary Housing or Foster Care (Grades K-6 & Grades 7-8 with IEP): Students in temporary housing or foster care in grades K-6, or grades 7-8 with an IEP, when DOE busing could not be provided.
Students in Foster Care (Grades K-6 & Grades 7-8 without IEP): Students in foster care in grades K-6 and grades 7-8 without an IEP recommending transportation, when DOE busing was not available.
Curb-to-School Students with Bus Issues: Curb-to-school students whose assigned bus experienced a significant delay resulting in a no-show or refused service.

Submitting a Transportation Reimbursement Form does not guarantee reimbursement. The DOE reviews each submission and makes the final decision.

Reasons for Reimbursement Denial:

Ineligibility: The child does not fall into one of the eligible categories. Stop-to-school reimbursement requests for students not in temporary housing or foster care are automatically denied.
Verifiable Bus Delay: The DOE cannot verify a substantial bus delay based on GPS data for routed students.
Incomplete Form/Missing Receipts: The reimbursement form is incomplete, or required receipts are missing.

Eligible families can complete the Transportation Reimbursement Form.

Important Deadline: Effective January 2, 2025, New York City Public Schools will only reimburse families for travel within one year of the travel date. Reimbursement requests beyond one year will be ineligible.

Note: Tips and reimbursements for student no-shows are not covered.

Training and Support Resources

To access training videos and documents, all schools should log in to OPT Info Stop. For additional support and training, contact your transportation liaison or transportation support liaison.

Parent Not At Home Policy

OPT has established procedures for situations where a school bus arrives at a student’s stop and no authorized adult is present to receive the student.

Curb-to-School (Special Education) Busing – Parent Not At Home

For curb-to-school busing (typically for special education students), standard practice requires parents/guardians to complete an emergency contact form listing authorized adults to receive their student from the bus. The form also allows parents to indicate if a child can be left unattended. Drivers may request identification before releasing a student.

If an authorized adult is not present for a curb-to-school student who is not authorized to be left unattended, the following protocol is followed:

Driver Communication: The driver will radio dispatch to report the situation and continue the route to drop off other students, then return to the student’s stop.
Second Attempt and OPT Contact: Upon returning, if an authorized adult is still not present, the driver will contact dispatch, who will then contact OPT to check for any pre-existing agreement to return the student to school.
- No Agreement – 911 Protocol: If no agreement exists, OPT will determine if 911 should be contacted, and the police will decide the best course of action.
Final Stop Procedure: If the student’s stop is the last on the route, the driver will radio dispatch, who will contact OPT to determine an appropriate waiting time before contacting 911.

Stop-to-School (General Education) Busing – Parent Not At Home

For stop-to-school busing (general education), the procedures are as follows:

Student Disembarkation: Any student, regardless of age or grade, will be allowed to get off the bus at their stop unless a school has negotiated a different procedure, or the student chooses to remain on board. If students remain on the bus at the end of the route, the driver will return them to their designated stops.
Parent Not Present and Student Remains on Bus: If a parent/guardian is not at the stop and the student chooses not to leave the bus, the driver will contact dispatch, who will then contact OPT to determine if there is a pre-existing agreement to return the student to school.
- No Agreement – 911 Protocol: If no agreement exists, OPT will decide if 911 should be contacted, and the police will determine the next steps.
Final Stop Procedure: If the student’s stop is the final one, the driver will radio dispatch to contact OPT and determine an appropriate waiting time before contacting 911.

*While there is no age restriction for the person meeting the student, they should be competent. Drivers or attendants can use their discretion if they have concerns about releasing a student to a particular individual.

Managing Student OMNY Cards and MetroCards

Schools are responsible for distributing OMNY cards to eligible students at the start of the fall, spring, and summer terms each school year. Accurate record-keeping of OMNY card serial numbers and prompt deactivation/replacement of lost, stolen, or non-working cards is essential. Failure to manage OMNY cards effectively may delay future card allocations.

Important Restrictions: OMNY cards cannot be given to students who use yellow bus transportation. The OMNY card provided must align with the student’s transportation eligibility level.

Full-fare Cards: Valid on MTA subways and buses (excluding express buses). Available for eligible students.

For more information, review the Transportation Overview page on the DOE website or contact your borough transportation liaison.

Requesting Additional OMNY Cards

OPT will only fulfill requests for additional OMNY cards if the Inventory Report in ATS or NPSIS justifies the need. Contact your transportation liaison for questions or to request more OMNY cards.

Types of MetroCards Available for Schools

Type	Description	Grade Level Used by	Additional Information
S4	K – 12 full fare	K –12	4-trips/4-taps per day – valid 24/7
X1	Special Program Exception	K – 12	Two-trip OMNY/two-transfer. Requested by application
MU	Monthly Unlimited	Adults	Requests are sent to public folders
PO	Purchased 2-trip	Adults	Purchased by schools through FAMIS – OPT ships
WU	Weekly Unlimited	Adults	Requests are sent to public folders
VY	Contingency	K – 12/Adults	Monthly unlimited MetroCard used during work stoppages
CT	Certificate for Free Transportation	K – 12	Paper certificate for groups of students and adults on MTA subways only. One certificate round trip. Max 40 children/4 adults, min 5 children/1 adult. Not valid weekends/holidays

Special Program OMNY Cards

Special Program OMNY cards are two-trip passes valid from September 1st to June 30th, intended for specific, limited uses. They allow two trips and two transfers per day on buses or subways for students participating in school-approved programs under specific conditions.

Authorized Uses of Special Program Two-Trip OMNY Passes:

Independent Travel to After-School Activities: For students capable of independent public transit travel to activities outside of regular school hours.
Travel Training for Special Education Students: For travel training purposes for special education students (accompanied by a qualified adult) who might struggle with independent travel using four-trip OMNY cards.
Attendance Intervention and Management: For students requiring attendance intervention and management support.

Restrictions on Special Program OMNY Cards: These cards are not intended for general distribution while awaiting regular four-trip card shipments, for occasional use by students who lose their regular cards, or for field trips. Consider whether students already using four-trip cards for school commutes truly need an additional two-trip card for program participation.

Request Special Program OMNY cards by completing the Special Program Application for Student MetroCards.

Schools must meticulously track each student receiving a card on a distribution log.

Summer School OMNY Cards

The DOE provides OMNY cards for student use during the 10-month school year, which now extend into the summer for public and nonpublic schools. Summer OMNY cards are also available for DOE-approved programs like internships not based in school buildings. Request procedures vary based on school or program type.

Summer OMNY Card Requests: Public and Charter Schools

Public and charter schools must submit summer OMNY card requests through ATS and ensure students are registered with a class and program code in SSPR starting April 18th. All public and charter school students must be registered in SSPR by May 13th to ensure OMNY card delivery by the first day of summer school.

Reminder: Only students who received busing or OMNY cards during the regular 10-month school year are eligible to continue using their student OMNY card for summer programs.

Contact your district Transportation Liaison for ATS procedure assistance.

Summer OMNY Card Requests: Nonpublic Schools

Nonpublic schools must submit their summer school OMNY card request via the Nonpublic Summer School and Fall Reconciliation Application no later than May 13th.

Reminder: The total card quantity requested should include students attending summer programs who are not on your regular 10-month roster.

Contact your school’s Transportation Liaison for reconciliation procedure assistance.

Summer OMNY Card Requests: DOE-Approved Programs (Non-School Building Based)

DOE-approved programs like internships or CBO-provided enrichment activities offering in-person services can request OMNY cards for eligible participating students. The OMNY Request Form for DOE-approved Summer Programs must be submitted by June 10th to guarantee OMNY cards by the first day of your summer program.

Contact the Transportation Liaison for the DOE school district where your program is located for application assistance.

Certificates for Free Transportation (Subway Only)

OPT provides schools with Certificates of Free Transportation valid on NYC Transit subways and Staten Island Railway (not buses). These are for field trips with groups of up to 40 students accompanied by one adult per 10 students.

Certificate Restrictions:

Valid Monday through Friday only, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Request Certificates for Free Transportation using this form.

The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) also offers a Complimentary Subway Transportation Program for youth-serving schools and non-profits (ages 5-18). DYCD certificates are valid Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 – 11:30 PM, and weekends 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM. For DYCD information, call 800-246-4646 or email [email protected].

Purchasing MetroCards

Principals can purchase two-trip MetroCards from OPT via a FAMIS purchase order. Two-trip MetroCards are currently $5.80 each. Crucially, include your school’s OPT code and delivery information in the “Special Delivery Instructions” on the purchase order, or indicate if you will pick up the cards at OPT.

Expired two-trip MetroCards can be exchanged for new ones if submitted to OPT within 18 months of expiration. Exchanges are not possible after 18 months. OPT recommends immediate return of expired cards after expiration to allow processing time.

Expired card return requirements for exchange: Cards must be returned in batch number and serial number order. Cards not received in this order cannot be exchanged. Batch and serial numbers are printed on the back of each card.

Mail expired MetroCards with a copy of the original purchase order and receipt to:

NYC DOE Office of Pupil Transportation
Attention: MetroCards
44-36 Vernon Boulevard, 6th Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101

To arrange an in-person exchange appointment, email [email protected]. Do not bring expired cards to OPT without a confirmed appointment.

New cards will be sent via courier or can be picked up at OPT after expired cards are received and processed.

Consider smaller, more frequent MetroCard purchases to minimize large exchanges of expired cards.

STH & SFC Parent/Guardian MetroCards

Parents/guardians of students in temporary housing or foster care (3K-Grade 12) who do not receive busing or are awaiting routing can receive MetroCards from the school to accompany their child to and from school.

Request these MetroCards using the Application for Parent / STH MetroCard, providing:

School OPT code and DBN
Number of STH parent/guardian MetroCards needed

Note: Schools must ensure the student’s housing status in ATS-BIO is accurately updated.

Field Trips: Transportation Options

Field trip transportation rules and procedures are outlined in Chancellor’s Regulation A-670.

Starting September 19th, schools can book yellow school busing for field trips during the school day. The first available field trip date is September 26th, and the last trip date is June 13th. Coach buses can also be chartered for field trips.

Yellow bus service for field trips is available for students in grades K-12 (school age). Schools must provide car seats for school-age students mandated to use them.

For Pre-K field trips (students under 5 or weighing 50lbs or less), car seats are required, and trips must be chartered through a Pre-K vendor.

To request, cancel, edit, or view transportation services, log in to the Online Field Trip System.

Yellow Bus Field Trip Booking Guidelines:

Bookings are subject to availability. OPT will attempt to accommodate as many trips as possible.
Trips must be within the five boroughs of New York City.
Trips must depart school after 9:30 AM and return by 1:30 PM.
Requests must be submitted at least one week prior to the trip date.
Trips cannot have multiple destinations.
Trips cannot be scheduled on NYC public school closure dates (federal holidays) or half-day session dates.

Important Dates:

Field trips can commence from September 19th.
The last day for field trips is June 13th.

Chartering a Contracted Coach Bus

For field trips outside yellow bus parameters or when yellow buses are unavailable, schools can procure coach busing services.

Use the FAMIS portal (requires login) to issue a purchase order (PO) to a contracted coach bus company for round-trip transportation of students and adults on school trips within the five boroughs, intrastate, and out-of-state, lasting up to six days and five nights.

Refer to Coach Bus Rates to identify appropriate vendors based on borough and trip details. Issue a PO through FAMIS using object code 669, the corresponding item number, and contract number.

Contracted Coach Bus Companies:

Academy Express, LLC
111 Paterson Avenue
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 420-7000, Ext. 2236
[email protected]
Contact: Francis Tedesco

Accord Bus, LLC
575 Scholes Street
Brooklyn, NY 11237
(212) 973-8282
[email protected]
Contact: Sofia Fayer

J and R Tours LTD
41 Torre Place
Yonkers, NY 10703
(914) 668-5050
[email protected]
Contact: Ralph J. DiDonato

S and J Tour and Bus, Inc.
185 Canal Street, #402
New York, NY 10013
(718) 921-4246
[email protected]
Contact: Mona Jiang

Suburban Trails
750 Somerset Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 249-1100, Ext. 231
[email protected]
Contact: Zarko Zecevic

Chartering a Non-Contracted Coach Bus

If contracted coach bus vendors are unavailable, schools can use the 3 competitive bids or MWBE process in FAMIS, following non-contracted threshold procedures outlined in the OTPS Standard Operating Procedure Manual (SOPM).

View the Non-Contracted Charter Bus Guidance Document.

Requirements Before a Non-Contracted Charter Bus Trip

School Responsibilities:

School Requests from Vendor:

Driver’s 19A certification certified by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle.
NYSDMV Abstract of Driving Record confirming “Active-School-Qualified” 19A status.
ACORD 25 Certificate of Liability Insurance with the DOE listed as the certificate holder. Liability limits must be:
- Commercial general liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence (combined single limit, general aggregate, and Products-COMP/OP AGG).
- Automobile liability: $5,000,000 per occurrence (combined single limit).
Worker’s Compensation Insurance and Employer’s Liability Insurance in legally prescribed amounts.

Upon receipt of these documents uploaded to FAMIS, the DSL Finance Team will review the purchase order.

On the Day of a Non-Contracted Charter Bus Trip

The school official in charge (Principal or designated Public Schools Employee) must verify:

Driver has appropriate license and company-issued ID.
Vehicle has valid registration and DOT sticker.
Bus capacity is sufficient for the number of passengers.

After a Non-Contracted Charter Bus Trip

School certifies the purchase order (PO) in FAMIS for services rendered by June 30, 2024.
School submits supporting documentation to accounts payable to initiate vendor payment.

Contact your Transportation Liaisons for assistance.

Certificates for Free Transportation (Subway Field Trips)

Groups of students with teachers can use free group subway transportation certificates for educational field trips during designated times.

Certificate Validity:

Round-trip travel on subways only (not buses).
Monday through Friday only (not valid weekends or holidays).
Between 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM only.
Year-round (including summer).
At any NYC Transit System and Staten Island Rapid Transit subway station.
Maximum 40 students and four adults.
Minimum five students and one adult.

Request Certificates for Free Transportation using this form.

Schools can combine yellow bus service and certificates, e.g., using yellow bus to the destination (if leaving after 9:30 AM) and subway certificates for return travel (if returning after 1:30 PM).

Free subway passes for other times and weekends/holidays are available from the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development.

Volunteer Attendants on General Education School Buses

The Office of Pupil Transportation has procedures for authorizing volunteer attendants on general education school buses contracted by the NYC DOE.

NYS Education Department Requirements for Adult Bus Riders:

Fingerprinted (waiver possible for current DOE employees fingerprinted at 44-36 Vernon Boulevard or 65 Court Street).
Recent medical examination form on file.
Annual tuberculosis (TB) test on file.
Completion and passing of permanent school bus attendant training classes.
Annual follow-up training completion and passing.

Important Restrictions: Parent/guardian volunteer attendants cannot ride on their child’s assigned route.

School Responsibilities: Schools identify and initially screen candidates, involving interviews and reference checks if the candidate is not well-known. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and must have fingerprint clearance before serving. Submit the Volunteer Monitor form to Marilyn Mateo at [email protected].

For routes serving multiple schools, the requesting school principal must obtain written consent from each other school’s principal. Consent letters must be on school letterhead, signed by the principal/assistant principal, include school ATS/OPT code, route number, and state awareness and consent to the attendant assignment. Submit these letters with the request to the Office of Pupil Transportation.

OPT will provide written notification to the school and vendor once an individual is cleared, including the attendant’s boarding and disembarking stops. Only the named attendant is authorized to ride the route. No other adults are permitted except in emergencies.

Short-Term Volunteer Attendant Exceptions

OPT allows short-term volunteer attendants in these cases:

Emergencies during the current school year (maximum ten school days).
Summer school shuttles.

To request a short-term volunteer attendant, submit a Volunteer Monitor form to Marilyn Mateo at [email protected] with:

Volunteer’s name and fingerprint information (fingerprint clearance is mandatory).
Vendor/bus company name.
Route(s) they will ride (morning, afternoon, or both).
Boarding stop (for current school year exceptions).
Disembarking stop (for current school year exceptions).

School Bus Safety Drills

All public, non-public, and charter schools, including preschool sites, must conduct at least three School Bus Safety Drills per school year.

2024-25 School Year Drill Dates:

September 7 – September 15 (first seven school days); enter in OSYD portal by October 6.
November 1 – December 22; enter in OSYD portal by December 22.
March 1 – April 26; enter in OSYD portal by April 26.

Conducting School Bus Safety Drills

School staff should follow these guidelines for safety drills, preparing all students (bus riders or not) to act quickly and safely in emergencies. These directions are adapted for NYC from School Bus Safety Drills Check Sheets by the Pupil Transportation Safety Institute for NYSED.

School leaders can fulfill drill requirements in two ways: classroom instruction or on a school bus.

Steps During a School Bus Safety Drill

Review Emergency Procedures:
- Define “emergency” (dangerous situation needing immediate action).
- Discuss emergency situations (fire, explosion threat, accident, unsafe bus position).
- Emphasize hazards during inclement weather (snow, ice, poor visibility).
- Identify emergency equipment and exits (extinguisher, first aid kit, reflectors, exits, passenger door). Explain dangers of tampering with exits.
- Demonstrate bus stop, secure, and shut-off procedures.
- Explain why knowing bus number and route is important.
- Demonstrate bus radio use.
Review Emergency Evacuation Procedures:
- Demonstrate and practice safe bus evacuation (at least one type per drill).
- Practice Evacuation: Front Door:
  - Shut off/secure bus, activate flashers.
  - Orderly evacuation; student helpers exit first to assist and prevent falls.
  - Students leave belongings on bus.
  - Designate safe gathering area outside bus.
  - “Buddy up” students, younger students hold hands moving away.
- Practice Evacuation: Rear Door:
  - Shut off/secure bus, activate flashers.
  - Orderly, seat-by-seat evacuation.
  - Student helpers “spot” outside rear door.
  - Students “sit and slide” out emergency door (no jumping or horseplay).
  - Students leave belongings on bus.
  - Designate safe gathering area outside bus.
  - “Buddy up” students, younger students hold hands moving away.
- Practice Evacuation: Split Evacuation:
  - Shut off/secure bus, activate flashers.
  - Front half of bus exits front door, rear half exits rear door (pre-assign exit points).
  - Orderly, seat-by-seat evacuation.
  - Student helpers exit rear door first to “spot.”
  - Students leave belongings on bus.
  - Designate safe gathering area outside bus.
  - “Buddy up” students, younger students hold hands moving away.
Safe Loading and Unloading Demonstration:
- After evacuation practice, gather students in front of bus and demonstrate safe crossing.
- Have students identify Danger Zones.
- Review “Safe to Cross” and “Danger – Go Back!” signals.
- Remind students never to retrieve dropped items near bus or run after missed bus.
- Explain dangers of drawstrings or dangling clothing.
Conclude Drill:
- Thank students for participation and good behavior. Thank assisting teachers/staff. Distribute “Letter to Parents” for students to take home.

Reporting School Bus Drill Completion

For classroom instruction, “practice” can be role-playing, demonstration, or video (based on availability). Bus companies or OPT representatives may assist with classroom instruction if scheduled in advance.

End-of-Year Procedures: Transportation Eligibility Changes

Certain student groups’ transportation eligibility changes as they advance grades. Schools should communicate these changes to families in advance.

Students advancing from Grade 2 to Grade 3 (B distance, no IEP):
- Change: No longer eligible for yellow bus (may request OMNY card in fall).
- No Change: Students with distance code C or D, or active IEP (not mandating transportation).
Students advancing from Grade 6 to Grade 7 (C distance, no IEP):
- Change: No longer eligible for yellow bus (may request OMNY card in fall).
- No Change: Students with active IEP (not mandating transportation).

Use TLST screen data to identify affected students.

Sort TLST data by grade.
Scan pages, note affected students.
Use Transportation Eligibility Change (Letter to Parent or Guardian) or school memo to inform families.

Restoration of Grade 7 and 8 Busing

School bus service is generally not available for NYC students above 6th grade.

Prior to 2010-2011, busing was provided to grades 7 and 8 at 54 schools (mostly Staten Island, some in Queens and Brooklyn) due to variance V0708.

Recent legislation restores busing to schools using this service in the 2009-10 school year related to OPT variance V0708.

Schools without busing due to this variance in 2009-10 are not eligible for grade 7 and 8 busing restoration.

See Restoration of Grade 7 and 8 Busing for more information and a school list.

School Closures and Transportation

Weather-Related School Closures

Non-Public Schools and Weather Emergencies

Non-public and charter schools must have an emergency closure plan on file with OPT, detailing parent notification procedures for closures and delays. When DOE schools close due to weather, bus transportation is suspended for all schools (including non-public).

If DOE schools remain open but your school closes due to weather:

Notify OPT of closure by email: [email protected]
- Include name, contact information, and OPT school code(s).
Email must be sent at least 12 business hours in advance (not monitored weekends, holidays, DOE days off).
OPT will notify bus vendors to suspend service upon confirmation.
Request is not approved until written confirmation from OPT is received.

For delayed openings or early dismissals:

Notify OPT by email: [email protected]
- Include name, contact information, and OPT school code(s).
Requests for delayed opening/early closing must be submitted by 3:00 PM the business day before a weather event (excluding weekends, holidays, DOE days off).
- Same-day requests cannot be accommodated.
Request is not fully approved until written confirmation from OPT is received.

For same-day weather-related closures, contact your bus vendor and inform parents before 5:30 AM. After notifying vendor and parents:

Notify OPT of closure by email: [email protected]
- Include name, contact information, OPT school code(s), and confirmation of vendor and parent notification.

Other Emergency School Closures

For closures due to building safety or mechanical issues:

Notify OPT Customer Service ASAP at 718-392-8855.
- Provide name, contact information, and OPT school code(s).
Notify your Borough/City-wide Office.

Transportation Systems / Applications

This document refers to several transportation systems and applications, including ATS, NPSIS, STARS, SSPR, FAMIS, Online Field Trip System, and OPT Info Stop. Familiarity with these systems is essential for effective transportation management. Contact your Transportation Liaison or OPT for training and access support for these systems.

This comprehensive guide aims to equip school personnel with the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively navigate student transportation services in NYC and work efficiently with the Office of Pupil Transportation. Remember to utilize your Transportation Liaison as a primary resource and contact OPT directly for systemic or critical issues.