Bus Transportation

Free school bus transportation is provided to and from school for students living beyond a 1-mile walking distance from elementary schools and a 1.5-miles walking distance from middle and high schools. More than 65 percent of APS students ride buses to and from school. The Arlington School Board Transportation Policy and Options and Transfers Policy outlines eligibility for transportation, and the Policy Implementation Procedures E-5.1 PIP-1 provides additional information about “Pupil Transportation.” Both are available through the School Board policies online.

Fall Transportation Information

Final, fall bus assignments for bus eligible students are now posted in ParentVUE. Click here for details on how to access ParentVUE.

NEW: Where’s The Bus App

View information about the new online app, WherestheBus, which allows our APS bus-eligible families to track their student’s buses in real-time.

Hub Stops for Option Schools

As a reminder, APS is using hub stops for option schools to shorten trips to and from school and improve efficiency and reliability. Read more about hub stops.

Transportation on Early Release Days

Families should review early release times for their school here: https://aps2016.apsva.us/school-locations/school-start-end-times/ Dismissal buses are scheduled to arrive at the afternoon stop based on the early release times.  Families of elementary students should expect buses to arrive at their stops approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes earlier than on full days.

Transportation Reminder for Jefferson and Kenmore Neighborhood Transfer Students

Families whose students use a neighborhood transfer to attend Jefferson or Kenmore will be responsible for their students’ transportation. No bus service is provided.

Transporting Students with Temporary Disabilities

Students who need assistance boarding a school bus due to a temporary disability (such as a cast or use of crutches or a wheel chair) may receive special transportation upon recommendation of the school nurse. Parents should notify the school as soon as possible if their child needs such temporary assistance. The principal will help arrange for safe, appropriate transportation to and from school.

ART iRide Fare Free Program

The Arlington County Transit Bureau has made all travel for APS students on ART buses free with a registered iRide SmarTrip card. Students with existing iRide SmarTrip cards will automatically receive the free ride benefit and do not need to perform any additional requirements. If a student would like the option to participate in the free ride benefit program but does not have an iRide SmarTrip card, they will need to either contact the Transportation Coordinator (TC) located onsite at their school site or visit a Commuter Service Store.

Summer School Bus Information

For summer school bus information click here.