Frisco Independent School District is expanding transportation choices for families whose children do not meet the district’s free‑ride criteria. Beginning Monday, Nov. 2, the district will open applications for a new fare‑based busing program that lets eligible students ride on existing school bus routes when seats are available.
Program cost and eligibility
The service will cost $500 per student for the 2026‑27 school year. A reduced fee of $175 is offered to students who participate in the district’s free and reduced‑price meal program. Both amounts are non‑refundable.
Frisco ISD traditionally provides free transportation to students who live two miles or more from their assigned campus, with safety‑related exceptions. The new paid option is designed for families who fall short of that distance requirement but still desire bus service.
How the program works
Because the program relies on unused seats, no additional routes or stops will be created. Students must attend a school within their assigned, board‑approved attendance boundary to qualify. The district will initially offer the service at 29 campuses, including four elementary schools, 14 middle or intermediate schools, and 11 high schools such as Centennial, Emerson, Frisco, Heritage, Independence, Lebanon Trail, Lone Star, Memorial, Panther Creek, Reedy and Wakeland.
Application process
Families can submit applications online through the district’s fare‑based busing webpage starting Nov. 2. After submission, applications may take up to ten business days to process. Applicants will receive an email confirming whether their request has been approved or denied.
Approved families must pay the applicable fee via the Online School Fees portal. Once payment is confirmed, bus routing information will be available through the My Ride K‑12 system. Because the program depends on available seats, approval is not guaranteed.
Context and district goals
The fare‑based initiative follows Frisco ISD’s broader 2026‑27 budget strategy, which explored paid transportation as a way to generate additional revenue while making efficient use of existing resources. The district has also experimented with alternative bus uses, such as its Book Bus program that brings library resources to students beyond the classroom.
District officials emphasize that the program is intended to provide a flexible, cost‑effective option for families seeking transportation without expanding the district’s fleet or altering existing routes. By leveraging unused capacity, the district hopes to meet community needs while preserving fiscal responsibility.
What parents should consider
Parents interested in the program should review the eligibility criteria, confirm that their child’s school falls within the designated attendance boundaries, and be prepared for the possibility that a seat may not be available. The reduced fee for students receiving free or reduced meals offers a more affordable pathway for lower‑income families.
For more information, families can visit the Frisco ISD website or contact the district’s transportation office directly.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
