Bus Route Criteria

Bus stop guidelines for regular transportation:

Elementary school - bus stop will be up to .30 miles (1586 feet). Middle school and High school - bus stop will be up to .50 miles (2640 feet).

Bus routes are created to enhance student safety while maximizing vehicle efficiency. Stops are created at locations that allow students to wait off the main roadway for the bus if at all possible. Stops are not placed in cul-de-sacs or dead-end streets whenever possible to minimize bus accidents. Bus stops will be located at the corner of intersections and middle of the block that match the distance guidelines. The above criteria apply to regular education students only. Special needs stops may be subject to different criteria.

Bus Ridership

School buses are rated by manufacturers to have a capacity of three riders per seat. Allen ISD transportation sets maximum ridership per bus at three riders per seat at elementary levels, two and a half riders per seat at middle school and high school levels.

1. The bus did not show up on time for my child, how long should he/she wait at the stop?

Your child should arrive at the stop at least 5 minutes before the regular arrival time of the bus. If there is a substitute driver, the times may not be absolutely consistent with the regular times. If the bus is late ask your child to remain at the stop. Buses break down, roads are blocked, drivers become ill or have emergencies, but there will always be a bus at every stop. If the wait becomes extreme (approximately 15 minutes), please call the transportation office at 972-727-0542.

2. My child's bus is overcrowded. Can some children be placed on another bus?

School bus sizes are stated in terms of passenger capacity for elementary school students. It is assumed that elementary school students will ride three per seat. Middle and high school students are assumed to ride two-three per seat. If the bus has three elementary school students, two-three middle or high school students per seat it will seem crowded but it will not be over capacity. It is our goal to fully utilize all the space on all the buses in our fleet.

3. I cannot see my child's bus stop from my house. How can I get the bus stop moved closer?

Bus stops are placed at centralized locations that can be safely accessed by all eligible students and to minimize the time, length and mileage of the run.  Bus stops can be located at corners, schools or parks.  If you have concerns about your child's safety you are encouraged to accompany your child to the bus stop or arrange a neighborhood buddy to walk with your child. Elementary school students may be required to walk up to .30 miles (1586 feet) to a bus stop. Middle school and High school students may be required to walk up to .50 miles (2640 feet) to a bus stop.