Q: How safe is a school bus?

A: NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Board) says that traveling by school bus is seven times safer than traveling by car or truck.

Q: What can be done to improve school bus safety?

A: Education and knowledge will help keep our children safe. Children will be safer by knowing and following all the bus safety rules. Parents, educated in school bus safety, should insist their children cooperate with the bus driver to ensure a safe ride. An informed driving public will be aware and comply with the law by not passing a stopped school bus with red flashing lights.

Q: Where can bus schedules be found?

A: Bus schedules can be found here. Families MUST complete bus rider registration to receive transportation services in the 2024-2025 school year.

If you have already registered for the bus, to view your child’s assigned bus stop, you must register in the Smart Tag parent portal app linked here. The app can also be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. 

If you have not yet registered for the bus, you can still register. GCISD’s Bus Rider Registration form is on the district's Transportation page and also linked here. Bus stops can be viewed on the Smart Tag parent portal app 48 hours after they register. 

Additional information and FAQ can be found at GCISD’s Transportation web page. 

If you have any questions, you can contact us at transportation.services@gcisd.net, or at (817) 251-5592.

Q: How many passengers does a bus hold?

A: At three to a seat, a conventional bus holds 77 passengers while transit school buses hold 84 passengers. The maximum GCISD recommended capacity for students is between 50 and 65 passengers depending on the bus type and grade level. Standees are not allowed on GCISD school buses.

Q: Can more bus stops be added?

A: GCISD levels of service establish the distance students might walk to bus stops. Stops are provided for primary students within 3/10 mile from their home, and 5/10 mile for secondary students. Stops are reviewed annually based on safety hazards, distance, and number of students at each stop.

Q: How do we know when a change has been made to a bus route?

A: Written notices are sent home with the students riding the bus three days in advance of the change. The campus is also notified and Bus Schedules on our website are modified to reflect any changes.

Q: What happens if a bus is late to school?

A: Transportation will send a message through smart tag (must be registered on the parent portal to receive messages) if the bus will be more than 10 minutes late. A phone call is also made to the campus if the bus arrives within 5 minutes of the final bell, and students are instructed to stop at the office if a pass is required. Late arrivals are tracked by transportation staff in order to monitor service.

Q: What is a Bus Safety Report?

A: A Bus Safety Report is part of the four-step discipline process used for bus services. Parents are notified in writing and by phone if a child violates a bus safety rule. Students are expected to know and follow all bus safety rules in order to assure everyone of a safe ride. For more information, consult the Bus Rider's Safety Handbook. Bus safety reports are submitted to your child's campus administrator for review.

Q: Do you have unanswered questions?

A: Please call us at 817-251-5592.