Frisco Independent School District announced a new fare‑based busing program that will be available at 29 campuses beginning Nov. 2. The service lets families pay to use open seats on current school‑bus routes, giving additional flexibility for students who do not qualify for the district’s regular transportation.
According to Community Impact, the fee is $500 per student for most families and $175 per student for those enrolled in the district’s free and reduced‑price meal program for the 2026‑27 school year. The charge is non‑refundable and must be paid online after an application is approved.
To apply, families must complete a fare‑based busing application form starting Nov. 2. District officials said applicants should allow up to ten business days for staff to process the request and determine eligibility. Once approved, families receive an email notification and instructions for online payment. After payment, routing information becomes accessible through the My Ride K‑12 portal.
Eligibility requirements include enrollment at a school within the student’s assigned attendance boundary. The program does not replace the district’s free busing for students who live two miles or more from their assigned school; that service remains unchanged.
The new offering utilizes existing seats on current routes, meaning bus routes and stops will stay the same. By filling unused capacity, the district can expand transportation options without adding new routes or altering schedules.
Frisco ISD introduced the fare‑based service just over a year after spending $3.28 million to add 20 new school buses to its fleet. The investment in additional buses supports the district’s broader effort to maintain reliable transportation while the fee‑based option addresses families seeking extra convenience.
District officials emphasized that the program is subject to capacity limits. If a bus route reaches full occupancy, families may not be able to secure a seat, even after paying the fee. The district will continue to monitor demand and adjust availability as needed.
What’s next: Families interested in the program should submit their applications as soon as the portal opens on Nov. 2 and allow ten business days for processing. Approved applicants will receive payment instructions and can then access their bus routing details through My Ride K‑12.
Sources: communityimpact.com
