Frisco Independent School District (FISD) announced a new fare‑based busing program that will operate on existing school bus routes across 29 campuses. The service is designed for students who do not qualify for the district’s regular transportation but still need a reliable way to get to school.
How the program works
Starting November 2, families may submit an application for fare‑based busing through the district’s website. After the application is received, FISD staff will review eligibility and process the request within ten business days. Approved families will be notified by email and given instructions to pay the applicable fee online.
The fee is $500 per student for the 2026‑27 school year. Families whose children participate in the district’s free and reduced‑price meal program will pay a reduced, non‑refundable fee of $175 per student. Once payment is confirmed, routing information will be made available through the My Ride K‑12 portal.
Eligibility and capacity
To qualify, a student must reside within the attendance boundary of the school they attend. The program uses any open seats on current bus routes, so availability is subject to capacity. Bus routes and stops will remain unchanged, allowing the district to integrate the new service without altering existing schedules.
Students who live two miles or more from their assigned school already receive free transportation. The fare‑based option expands choice for families who fall outside that mileage requirement but still need a bus ride.
Financial context
The introduction of fare‑based busing follows a recent investment in district transportation. Over a year ago, FISD spent $3.28 million to add 20 new school buses to its fleet, strengthening its ability to accommodate additional riders.
District officials say the fee‑based model helps offset the cost of operating extra seats while preserving free transportation for those who qualify under existing guidelines.
Community response
Parents have expressed appreciation for the added flexibility, noting that the program offers a practical alternative for families who cannot meet the mileage threshold but still require bus service. The district encourages interested families to apply early, as seats are limited and will be allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
For more information, families can visit the FISD website, download the fare‑based busing application, or contact the district’s transportation office.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Frisco — read the source article.
