Bus Routes

FCPS selects bus routes that run on roads that are well-maintained and safe for school bus travel. Stops are not designed to drop students off in front of their homes. Parents are responsible for making sure that they choose a safe walking route for their children to get to and from the bus stop. Exceptions are made for students with special needs. Bus stop information is NOT published on any public website for safety reasons. Schools will provide the list to students before the beginning of the school year.

There are times when the driver may make a decision to return children to school. This may happen when:

• A parent or their designee is not available at the bus stop to receive a "must be met" student. The parent or designee must come to the bus entrance door and ask for the student by name. "Must be met" students include:
  • Kindergarten students, who require a person of middle school age or older.
  • Preschool students, who require a person 18 years of age or older.
• The driver has any concerns regarding the safety of releasing a student.
• A child expresses concern, for any reason, about getting off of the bus.
• There are no safe, transportation-approved alternate locations in the case of emergencies (such as road closures, accidents, or weather-related road problems).

Bell Schedules

The Office of Transportation Services works in concert with school principals and program managers to develop the start and end times for each school. Bell schedules must subsequently be approved by the superintendent and timing is second only to safety. Individual school bell schedules are available on each school website.

Questions and Concerns

If parents have other questions or concerns regarding transportation, they may call the school principal or the Area Transportation Office.

Area I Transportation    - 703-446-2150
Area II Transportation   - 703-446-2050
Area III Transportation  - 703-249-7000
Area IV Transportation - 703-249-7100