Frequently Asked Questions

Kindergarten Transportation FAQ (pdf)

Where is My Student?

Q. My student has not arrived home from school yet and it’s been more than 5 minutes past the expected time. What should I do?

A. First, call the school. Most of the time, they will be able to determine the cause.  If they cannot locate your student, then call the Transportation Dispatcher at (206-236-3338). 

Riding the Bus

Q. Can my student use any bus stop to and from school?  Can my student take any bus to other places in the afternoon?

A. No. For safety reasons, only students who have made arrangements with the Transportation Department or who present a note from a parent/guardian or from school officials are allowed to use stops other than their primary designated to/from stop. The same is true for students who wish to ride a different bus after school.

Q. I have a question or concern regarding activities on my student’s bus. Who do I talk to about it?

A. Start with the bus driver. However, it is often difficult to have a conversation while the bus is en route so ask the driver to call you. If necessary, you can contact the Transportation Supervisor, Todd Kelsay, at 206-236-3337.

Q. My pick-up time is 8:50am. Does that mean the bus will always arrive then?

A. No. There are dozens of reasons beyond the driver’s control why a bus might arrive a few minutes early or late. Therefore, students must be waiting at their designated stop five minutes prior to the scheduled pick up time and be patient if the bus is delayed.

Q. My student left something on the bus. What do I do?

A. Lost clothing is often kept on the bus so the driver can deliver the articles to the proper students the following day. Lost valuables are generally brought into the Transportation Department office at 4140 86th Ave SE where you can stop by to retrieve them.

Q. What are the rules for riding on the bus?

A. Refer to It's Fun to Ride the Bus

Eligibility

Q. How do I know if my student is eligible for a ride to and from school?

A. Two key factors are normally used to determine eligibility. The first is proximity to the school of attendance. The second involves certain designated hazard areas where, regardless of distance from school, the walk might not be safe.  Refer to the bus schedules for more details on schools and stops served.

Q. We’re moving to a different location on the Island. What do we do? 

A.  First, notify the school. They’ll make the necessary changes in the official student record that we use in our transportation system. Generally, within a few days of notifying the school, you can call Transportation at 206-236-3335 to request the new transportation information. We then pass the change notice onto the relevant drivers. 

High School

Q.  Why do some high school students ride Metro buses to and from school while others ride yellow school district buses?

A. Most of the Island’s high school students who are eligible for transportation ride Metro buses. Only students who live on or near East Mercer Way and are north of SE 70th Place ride yellow school buses.

Q. How do I get a Metro pass and what does it cost?

A. Go to the Metro Information page for more information.  If you’re eligible for a pass, you will receive it at no charge.