Transportation

Blue Valley Schools currently provides free bus transportation to students who live 2.5 or more miles from their assigned school. Mileage is figured by measuring the most direct route from the student's house to the school. Students who qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program may be eligible to receive busing at no cost. Free bus transportation may also be available to children who qualify that are enrolled in some special education programs.

Bus transportation is available for parents who want to purchase service for elementary children who live less than 2.5 miles from their assigned school. High school and middle school students who live less than 2.5 miles to school do not qualify for transportation services.

Information about mileage can be found on the New to BV webpage. Additional information about attendance areas may be obtained from the school. You may also contact Blue Valley Schools at 913-239-4102.

Questions or concerns about bus routes or transportation fees should be directed to Durham School Services at 913-681-2492.

Door-to-door service will not be provided. Students are asked to walk to designated bus stops to board the bus. While Durham School Services, through the district, does attempt to provide time schedules for bus stops, these schedules are a guide only, and students should be prepared for the bus to arrive five minutes earlier or later than what is listed. Bus stop times are subject to change. In case of severe weather, the district cannot guarantee that buses will run on schedule. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding when weather-related delays occur. Families are encouraged to register each school year for Durham’s text messages specific to their students’ route to stay informed.

Families should receive an email from Durham with bus information if they register for the bus by the deadline to be routed for the first day. If you do not receive an email, please call Durham at 913-681-2492.

Pay Rider Eligibility

Despite exhaustive efforts to attract and retain bus drivers, pay rider changes are necessary to reduce the number of routes needed and stabilize transportation services for the 2025-26 school year.

High school and middle school students will not be provided bus services if they are less than 2.5 miles from home to school (except for students qualifying for Special Education transportation services.)
There will be no change to the pay rider eligibility for elementary school students.
High school and middle school bus stop distances will increase from .25 mi to .5 mi where it is safe to do so; reduces the number of stops and increases the speed of the route.

Bus Registration Information

Payment and Fees

The registration deadline for bus transportation is July 21. This is a strict deadline. Late registrants who sign up after July 21 will not be guaranteed transportation before September 1 and will be processed on a first come first served basis. Exceptions to this rule will be made only for new residents. This process is being implemented to assist with advance planning, thus helping to enhance the safe and timely operation of the transportation system.

Students who are new to the district who register after July 1, will be eligible for a 20% discount from the full fare. A multiple pay rider discount is offered for ALL DAY service for families with more than one pay rider student.

Please note, pay rider is only available for parents who want to purchase service for elementary children who live less than 2.5 miles from their assigned school. The schedule below lists fees for multiple pay riders in the same family.

Any questions regarding bus registration can be directed to Durham School Services at 913-681-2492.

Service options and cost

On or before June 30

After July 1 and forward

AM only service

$245.00

$269.00

PM only service

$245.00

$269.00

All day service (AM and PM)

$355.00

$390.00

Multiple payriders (AM and PM

On or before June 30

After July 1 and forward

1st Payrider

$355.00

$390.00

2nd Payrider

$319.50

$351.00

3rd+ Payrider (each)

$278.50

$316.00

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a parent or guardian register his or her student(s) for bus service?

Who is eligible for free bus service?

Who is required to pay for bus transportation?

Why should I have to pay if I live within 2.5 miles from my assigned school?

How is the 2.5 mile distance from home to school calculated?

Is there a deadline to register for bus service?

For those elementary families who live less than 2.5 miles from school that are required to pay the transportation fee the discounted fare is available prior to July 1. July 1, and after the full fare will be required. All registrations for bus transportation (both free and payride) must be received by Durham no later than July 21 to best assure transportation at the start of the school year.

Is there a discount for multiple siblings?

What financial assistance is available?

What is the refund policy?

If a student moves outside the attendance area or ceases to attend the school a refund will be issued. In either event the bus company must be notified in writing by the parent (guardian) in order for the parent (guardian) to be reimbursed. The amount refunded will be based on a quarterly pro-rated basis less a 10 percent handling fee. Refunds may also be issued if the refund is requested before routing is completed in early August.

What if my child requires special needs transportation?

Students who have IEP's that specifically indicate that district transportation is provided will qualify. The request for special education transportation must come from a building principal, psychologist, or special education teacher. The request is sent to the transportation coordinator at District Office who in turn will send it to Durham School Services for routing.

Is a student transfer to a school outside of their home attendance area eligible for transportation?

How do I find out about stop locations, pick-up/drop-off times or other general questions?

Do I need to communicate with somebody if my child is not going to be on the bus?

How will I be communicated with if there is a change of schedule or event pertaining to my student?

How will busing misconduct situations be handled?

If a student misbehaves while on the school bus the driver will issue a misconduct notice. This notice will be sent home to the parent to review and sign. The student will need to return the signed misconduct notice to the driver. The driver will give the signed copy to an administrator at the student’s school. The administrator will determine what discipline needs to take place.