Busing
Moving students further ahead
The CCS Department of Transportation is "moving students further ahead." Approximately 44,000 students receive transportation services from 1,000 dedicated employees, including supervisors and vehicle maintenance staff. Our buses travel across 220 square miles located primarily within the City of Columbus, Ohio.
An Important Bus Routing Information Update is HERE.
- Charter & Non-Public Requests
- Fleet Services
- Bus Safety & Behavior
- What You Should Know
- Safe Routes to School
- General Frequently Asked Questions
- K-8 Transportation Frequently Asked Questions
Charter & Non-Public Requests
Transportation of Students Enrolled in Chartered Nonpublic and Community Schools
Ohio law requires the district of residence to transport eligible students to and from their enrolled chartered nonpublic or community school. Ohio law establishes several factors in identifying whether a student is eligible for transportation services.
- Issuance of Charter: The Ohio Department of Education has issued or is in the process of issuing a charter for the nonpublic or community school that the student is attending.
- Residency: Student is a resident of the district in which he/she is requesting transportation.
- K-8 Students More Than Two Miles: Student is in grades kindergarten through eight and lives more than two miles from the school of attendance.
- High school students More Than Two Miles: Student is in grades nine through 12 and lives more than two miles from the district building they would attend are eligible for transportation services if the district transports resident high school students to district high schools.
- Thirty Minutes Direct Travel Time: A district is not required to transport elementary or high school students to and from a nonpublic or community school where such transportation would require more than 30 minutes of direct travel time as measured by school bus from the enrolled nonpublic or community school to the public school building the students would be assigned if attending the public school designated by the district of residence. If necessary, the district will conduct an eligibility timing that will serve as the initial time requirement for the transportation request.
Charter/Non-public school students who reside within the boundaries of the Columbus City School District can request transportation to school by completing an online Transportation Request. All transportation requests for charter/non-public school students must be made by the students' families using the Columbus City Schools Infinite Campus/Parent Portal Online Registration.
CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR TRANSPORTATION REQUEST
More Info
Address Verification
Address Verification (must present any one of the following items):
- A recent (within 30-60 days of the statement date) utility bill (gas, electric, or water) in the parent/guardian’s name. (Phone, cable or bank statements are not acceptable)
- A current lease agreement with parent/guardian’s name. The name and phone number of the landlord must be provided to verify the lease. The signature page for a lease that includes the landlord's signature is also required.
- Current mortgage statement in the parent/guardian's name.
- Two most recent pay stubs showing your name and address or a letter from your employer on company letterhead with your name and address listed. IRS W-2 Forms are also acceptable.
- Change of custody forms on Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) letterhead or court documents indicating a change of custodial parent (and address). These must be filed with the Division of the Registrar before the child being enrolled in your school. If the child is already enrolled and will continue the current assignment, the new custodial parent will need to go to the Division of the Registrar Office to file paperwork
- Department of Human Services or Social Security statement (within 30-60 days of the statement date), on letterhead, indicating the physical address used by the parent for receipt of checks.
- Employer Statement from the Personnel Office, on letterhead, indicating the address used by the parent for employment purposes and for submission of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) W-2 forms
- If you do not have any of the above forms of Address Verification in your name, please see the information below.
- If you are in transition (doubled up or living in a hotel or shelter due to hardship), please call Project Connect at 614-365-5140.
- Disconnection notices are not acceptable
Fleet Services
For general vehicle or custodial equipment repair information, please call the Fleet Services Department at (614) 365-5263 ext. 270.
It is the Mission of the Fleet Services Department to establish efficient and timely delivery of fleet services by providing customer Departments and schools with reliable, cost-effective transportation, custodial, and landscape repairs, and other services responsive to customer needs.
The Fleet Services Department is responsible for the purchase, maintenance, and disposal of the District's motor fleet, as well as for certain custodial and landscape equipment.
Our commitment to student safety and operating in an efficient and effective manner is a top priority, while maintaining a safe working environment for staff.
Contact Us
Fleet Services Department Support Staff
Main Office – 614) 365-5263
Fax – (614) 365-4045
Parts Department – (614) 365-5265
Bus Safety & Behavior
- Student must ride assigned bus. No unauthorized passengers are allowed.
- Students must obey bus driver’s instructions at all times.
- School buses are not permitted to stop longer than necessary to pick up students. Therefore, school buses cannot wait for tardy students.
- Get on and off at assigned stop only.
- Transporting of animals, pets, or glass containers on bus is not allowed.
- Changing from seat to seat while the bus is in motion is not permitted.
- Excessive noise, loud talking, or laughter is not allowed.
- No noise or talking at railroad crossings and other danger points.
- Students may not extend any part of their bodies through the bus windows.
- Spitting or throwing any object from windows is not allowed.
- Smoking, vaping, eating, drinking, and littering are not allowed.
- Students may not use profane language.
- Students must observe rules for crossing the street when entering or exiting the bus.
- Parents are responsible for any damage to the bus caused by their children.
- Any conduct which could endanger any passenger or driver or which could result in damage to the vehicle is not allowed.
- The carrying of weapons by bus passengers is not permitted.
What You Should Know
Safety in our community and in our schools is a major concern of parents, students, and school officials. School bus safety is a significant part of that concern. Therefore, the Transportation Department has developed a series of safety tips and school bus rules to insure the effective operation of the CCS buses and the maximum safety for our children.
We suggest that parents and students read this publication together, keep it for future reference, or even post the rules section on a bulletin board or in an appropriate location as a reminder.
These safety tips and regulations may provide good discussion topics also — with the hope that knowing and understanding them will result in safety for all.
- Student must ride assigned bus. No unauthorized passengers are allowed.
- Students must obey bus driver’s instructions at all times.
- School buses are not permitted to stop longer than necessary to pick up students. Therefore, school buses cannot wait for tardy students.
- Get on and off at assigned stop only.
- Transporting of animals, pets, or glass containers on bus is not allowed.
- Changing from seat to seat while the bus is in motion is not permitted.
- Excessive noise, loud talking or laughter is not allowed.
- No noise or talking at railroad crossings and other danger points.
- Students may not extend any part of their bodies through the bus windows.
- Spitting or throwing any object from windows is not allowed.
- Smoking, eating, drinking, and littering are not allowed.
- Students may not use profane language.
- Students must observe rules for crossing the street when entering or exiting the bus.
- Parents are responsible for any damage to the bus caused by their children.
- Any conduct which could endanger any passenger or driver or which could result in damage to the vehicle is not allowed.
- The carrying of weapons by bus passengers is not permitted.
School Bus Danger Zones
Bus Rules & Responsibilities
On the way to the bus
- Leave home in time to arrive at your bus stop location five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- On the way to the bus stop, observe safety by crossing streets at crosswalks.
- If there is a traffic signal, be sure to wait for the proper signal. Don’t cross against traffic signals.
- If there is a traffic patrol person present, obey his or her instructions.
At the bus stop
- You and your friends should stand and wait for your bus about six feet from the curb or the edge of the street if there is no curb.
- Avoid crowding, pushing, or shoving toward the curb or street while the bus approaches.
- Do not run around or play on private property or in the street.
- As the bus approaches, line up in single file to board the bus.
- Wait for the bus to pull into your street and park before getting on board.
- Don’t race to be first on the bus. Stand back from the door until it is opened.
On the bus
- Move immediately to your assigned seat.
- Follow the instructions of your bus driver if there is a change in seating.
- Face the front of the bus, with feet on the floor in front of you.
- You may not yell or use profanity.
- You must sit in your assigned seat until you get off at your stop.
- You must be quiet at railroad crossings, when the driver is using a two-way radio, or when the bus is stopped for emergency vehicles.
- You may not smoke or fight.
- You may carry books, lunches, or school instruments on your lap.
- You may not bring glass, animals, weapons, or sharp objects on the bus.
- Keep your seat clean and undamaged — you are responsible for damage.
Getting off the bus
- Avoid crowding and pushing. Exit the bus one-at-a-time, row-by-row.
- Remember to check your seat before leaving the bus. Don’t leave your lunch, books, or personal items behind. Don’t take someone else’s lunch or personal items.
- Bus riders exiting the bus should be allowed to leave before other students get on.
- Remember, if you must cross the street, cross 10 feet in front of the stopped bus.
- Never cross the street behind the bus.
Safe Routes to School
Arrival/Dismissal Toolkit
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.
Walking/Biking Maps For Schools
General Frequently Asked Questions
- When will I receive my student’s bus routing information?
- Why is my student’s bus stop different this year from last year?
- How do I find my student's bus stop and pickup time?
- When should my student arrive at the bus stop?
- If my student is late to school due to the bus being delayed, is this an excused absence?
- If my student misses the school day because the bus didn’t pick him/her up, is this an excused absence?
- What should I do if my student misses the bus?
- Can my student eat or drink while riding the bus?
- What if my child left something on the bus?
When will I receive my student’s bus routing information?
You will receive preliminary bus routing information that will be viewable for CCS families in Parent Portal by August 14. Please continue to check the Parent Portal for any updates or changes to your routing information before August 20.
Why is my student’s bus stop different this year from last year?
To enhance the reliability and efficiency of our bus transportation system for the 2026-2027 school year, the transportation department completed a comprehensive evaluation of our bus routes from the previous school year. The review's findings prompted our department to implement adjustments, including consolidating certain stops and routes, to enhance the quality of your child's daily commute to and from school.
As a result of these adjustments, your child's bus stop location for pickup and drop-off may be different from what it was in the previous school year. Check the Parent Portal frequently for the most up-to-date information, including bus stop location and time.
Your child's safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our transportation services. If you ever feel that the bus stop your child has been assigned to is unsafe, please get in touch with our Transportation Call Center at (614) 365-5074 between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Your feedback is important to us, and we are committed to addressing any concerns promptly.
How do I find my student's bus stop and pickup time?
Visit our Parent Portal for bus stop location, pick-up and drop-off information. Don’t have an account yet? Click HERE.
When should my student arrive at the bus stop?
Students should be at their assigned bus stop waiting for the bus five (5) minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Drivers are not required to wait for tardy students because it will make the balance of the route late. We have many students living on major roads and waiting would cause a traffic hazard.
If my student is late to school due to the bus being delayed, is this an excused absence?
If my student misses the school day because the bus didn’t pick him/her up, is this an excused absence?
What should I do if my student misses the bus?
The parent/guardian should immediately call the Transportation Department at 614-365-5074. The Transportation staff will contact the driver of the assigned bus for pick up and verify on our GPS system that the bus did/did not arrive as assigned. If the bus missed the stop we will send another bus as soon as it becomes available. However, if the bus already stopped at the location, the parent/guardian will need to arrange transportation of the child to school.
Can my student eat or drink while riding the bus?
Students are prohibited from eating, littering, chewing gum, and drinking anything on school buses. Smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages, and fighting on school buses will cause immediate termination of bus riding privileges. In addition, dogs and other animals, glass jars, and things not stored comfortably on a bus seat or that will protrude into the aisle are illegal to transport.
What if my child left something on the bus?
K-8 Transportation Frequently Asked Questions
- Where to start...
- What is the difference between home school by address and a 100% lottery school?
- Who is ELIGIBLE for Transportation services in elementary and middle school?
- Who is INELIGIBLE for transportation services in the 2026-2027 school year?
- Does this Transportation change impact high school students?
- What elementary and middle schools are 100% lottery?
- Which schools are affected by the transportation change?
- What are the transportation eligibility requirements for CCS?
- What are the Transportation exceptions and special circumstances?
- Who will Transportation be provided for?
- What happens if I have moved?
- What happens if I have been displaced from my home school?
- My child is in gifted programming, what happens to my student?
- What should families consider before selecting a school through the School Choice Lottery program?
- How can families determine their home school by address?
- How should my family plan ahead for the 2026-27 school year?
- Who can families contact with questions?
- Is there a quick planning checklist for families?
Where to start...
What is the difference between home school by address and a 100% lottery school?
- Home school by address: Has an assigned territory or neighborhood zone for attendance.
- Students can attend a school outside of their home school by address through the School Choice Lottery program. These students will NO LONGER receive school bus transportation to and from school by the District.
- 100% Lottery School: All students who attend these schools must participate in the School Choice Lottery in order to attend.
- There is no assigned territory or neighborhood zone for attendance. These students will continue to receive transportation to and from school by the District.
Who is ELIGIBLE for Transportation services in elementary and middle school?
- Transportation will continue for eligible students who attend their assigned school by home address and live more than 2 miles from the school.
- Transportation will continue for students enrolled in a 100% lottery school.
- Transportation will continue for students who are currently displaced from their home school by address by CCS for any reason.
Who is INELIGIBLE for transportation services in the 2026-2027 school year?
Does this Transportation change impact high school students?
What elementary and middle schools are 100% lottery?
Which schools are affected by the transportation change?
Affected middle schools are:
- Buckeye
- Champion
- Dominion
- Hilltonia
- Johnson Park
- Linden-McKinley 7-8
- Medina
- Mifflin
- Ridgeview
- Sherwood
- South 7-8
- Wedgewood
- Westmoor
- Woodward Park
Affected elementary schools are:
- Alpine
- Avalon
- Avondale
- Berwick
- Binns
- Burroughs
- Cassady
- Cedarwood
- Clinton
- Colerain
- Como
- Cranbrook
- Devonshire
- Eakin
- East Columbus
- East Linden
- Eastgate
- Easthaven
- Fairmoor
- Forest Park
- Gables
- Georgian Heights
- Hamilton STEM
- Highland
- Hubbard
- Huy
- Indian Springs
- Innis
- Leawood
- Liberty
- Lincoln Park
- Lindbergh
- Linden STEM
- Livingston
- Maize
- North Linden
- Northgate
- Northtowne
- Oakmont
- Ohio Avenue
- Olde Orchard
- Parkmoor
- Parsons
- Salem
- Scottwood
- Siebert
- Shady Lane
- South Mifflin
- Southwood
- Starling
- Stewart
- Sullivant
- Trevitt
- Valley Forge
- Valleyview
- Watkins
- Weinland Park
- West Broad
- West Mound
- Westgate
- Windsor STEM
- Winterset
- Woodcrest
What are the transportation eligibility requirements for CCS?
What are the Transportation exceptions and special circumstances?
Who will Transportation be provided for?
- Students displaced by CCS within the 2026-2027 school year
If CCS moved your student from their home school by address for any reason during the school year. - Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
If transportation is required as part of the student’s IEP. - Students placed for special education services
If those services are not available at the student’s home school by address. - Students placed for English Learner (ELL) services
If those services are not available at the student’s home school by address. - Students placed for gifted services
If those services are not available at the student’s home school by address. - Students placed by court order
If a court requires the student to attend a specific school.
If your student falls into one of these categories, transportation will continue regardless of school type.
Families should confirm transportation status through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or contact the CCS Transportation Department with questions.
What happens if I have moved?
What happens if I have been displaced from my home school?
- If you have been displaced by CCS, we will continue to provide transportation to and from school for your student throughout the displacement period.
- If you have been displaced by CCS and have moved to another home school by address zone, your student should attend the new home school by address to be eligible for transportation.
My child is in gifted programming, what happens to my student?
- Families of students in gifted programming should verify transportation status before the school year begins.
- Please confirm your transportation on Infinite Campus Parent Portal or reach out to our Transportation Department at 614-365-5074
What should families consider before selecting a school through the School Choice Lottery program?
- Families applying to attend a school outside of their home school by address should consider the following:
- Is the school you're choosing a 100% lottery school?
- If it is not a 100% lottery school, plan alternative transportation to and from school.
- Families currently attending a school outside of their home school by address may need to reconsider school choice options or return to their assigned home school by address to be eligible for school bus transportation to and from school.
How can families determine their home school by address?
- Families can check their home school by address by taking the following steps:
- Use the Columbus City Schools – School Assignment Finder
- Search for your home address
- Review the number and school building site assigned
How should my family plan ahead for the 2026-27 school year?
Who can families contact with questions?
Is there a quick planning checklist for families?
Yes, here is what families should consider:
- Confirm your child's assigned school by home address.
- Review whether your child qualifies for a school bus through specialized services.
- Check the distance from your home to the school.
- Make a transportation plan before the first day of school.
- Contact the Transportation Department if you have questions about busing, they can be reached at 614-365-5074
Contact Us
Columbus City Schools Transportation Department
1560 Moler Road
Columbus, Ohio 43207
614-365-5074