Transportation

The role of the Transportation Department is to transport students safely and efficiently to and from school buildings and on field trips. The safety of our students is always a top priority and we recognize that transporting students adds an extra level of risk. All of our bus drivers are licensed and required to take a safety course geared specifically toward transporting school students.

We hope that your child will have a successful and enjoyable bus transportation experience.

If a student lives in a regular education busing area for a specific school, parents or guardians should complete the registration form here. Registration forms completed after the start of the school year will be processed within two business days, and bus schedules will be emailed to the student’s primary contact.

In general, a student must live three or more miles from the school to qualify for transportation. However, there are some exceptions for grades K–8.

For questions, please contact 406-281-5580.

Lindsay Gran
Director of Transportation
granl@billingsschools.org

First Student - Bus and Bus Driver Management
406-248-3667

Martha Tanner - General Transportation Information
406-281-5580
tannerm@billingsschoools.org

Laneya Martin - Bus Route Scheduling
406-281-5591
martinl@billingschools.org

Vavi Rathie - Bus Route Scheduling
406-281-5581
rathiev@billingsschools.org

Laura Roderick - Bus Aides/Field Trips
406-281-5583
roderickl@billingsschools.org

Rebecca Taylor - Bus Aides/Student Discipline
406-281-5583
taylorr@billingsschools.org

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL

There are a variety of safe strategies to increase the number of students who walk, bike, or roll to school. Explore resources available through Yellowstone County Safe Routes to School see which walking, biking, or rolling strategies can inspire your students, parents, and school to invest in active, safe transportation opportunities!

Please note, this information is provided for informational purposes only. Street, traffic control devices, and route conditions are subject to change. The City of Billings or Billings Public Schools cannot and does not guarantee the safety of these routes, and assumes no responsibility or liability. We encourage families and students to use this map to explore options for going to and from and school, but each family is responsible for choosing the most appropriate option based upon their knowledge of route conditions and the specific needs and/or experience level of their student. Please continually review your selected route.

Information Pamphlet for school bus transportation button

Met Transit

The City of Billings - MET Transit Division provides bussing throughout the city and may be able to assist in transporting students who do not qualify for School Bus Transportation due to the 3-mile school radius boundaries. Student bus passes are $21.00 for 31 days and can be purchased online, via the UMO mobile app, at City Hall, ticket vending machines at the transfer centers, and over the phone at 406-657-8218.

Please contact MET Transit at 406-657-8218 for additional information.

Walking School Bus

What is a Walking School Bus (WSB)?

A WSB is a fun, safe, and active way for students to get to school on time and ready to learn! Students
walk with trained adult volunteers, called Route Leaders, along a recommended route to school.
Students can join in the WSB at pre-determined stops and times along the route, and will learn
important pedestrian safety behaviors along the way.

A WSB Coordinator will make sure the program runs smoothly, by training and scheduling volunteers,
and communicating with volunteers, parents, and guardians along the way.

When does the WSB run?

The WSB runs every morning during the school year and will follow the school calendar, operating on
any days the school is in session. In the event of severe weather and an unexpected WSB cancellation,
the school or WSB Coordinator will contact volunteers and student families.

Additional Details:

Must complete background check and volunteer training
Must like working with kids and be able to work outdoors in various weather

Highland Elementary

McKinley Elementary

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay to have my child ride the school bus?

What is the transportation fee?

Can my child have more than one (1) bus stop in order to get to work, dance, or other activities?

No**. The student is allowed one (1) AM bus stop and one (1) PM bus stop. The AM bus stop can be different from the PM bus stop, but the student must get on at the same bus stop each morning and get off at the same bus stop each afternoon. School bus transportation is established to transport a student from home to school and school to home. Any other transportation needs would be the responsibility of the student and his/her parent or guardian.
***The one exception would be if parents have joint custody of a child and both parents lived in the established busing area.

Can my child ride home with a friend on the school bus?

No. The School District does not accommodate guest riders. If your child does not ride the school bus, then s/he would not be allowed to ride home with a friend on the school bus. If your child does ride the school bus and needs to ride another bus home with a friend, the parent/guardian must make the request to the Transportation Director three (3) days in advance of the date. Same day requests will NOT be granted. All requests should be for emergency situations only (such as parents being out-of-town and the student is staying with a friend). Non-emergency transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

Who do I contact if the school bus is late or does not show?

The school bus came by the bus stop 2 minutes early this morning and my child missed the bus. Who do I call?

Can I get the bus stop changed to pick-up in front of my house?

The bus driver has given my child a discipline slip for not behaving on the school bus. Who can I talk to about this situation?

I have questions about special education transportation, who do I contact?

Severe Weather Transportation

During the winter storm season, people often wonder about delays or why buses run late. The Billings Schools’ 16,000+ students live within a large area where road conditions often vary widely during severe weather conditions. We consider road conditions and all other information available when deciding whether to operate on normal bus stops or alternative ones.

Below please find a list of areas that are commonly checked during severe weather conditions. Past experience has confirmed that these areas are places where school buses have a higher probability of getting stuck in the snow, so alternate bus stops have been established for these areas. More alternate bus stops could be added depending upon severe weather conditions, and the ability of school buses to maneuver safely through neighborhoods and subdivisions.

Commonly Checked Locations During Severe Weather Conditions

Rehberg Ranch – All bus stops in Rehberg Ranch would be moved to the following alternate bus stop: Rifle Creek Trail @ Iron Horse Trail

Yellowstone Country Club – All bus stops in Yellowstone Country Club (including Sam Snead Trail) would have the option of the following alternate bus stop:

- Bobby Jones Blvd at the park across from Varden Place

Hidden Lake Subdivision, including Lorraine St. and all side streets that feed into Lorraine St., would have the following alternate bus stop: Hwy 87 N. @ Lorraine St.

Alternate bus stops would not necessarily be limited to the above areas. Other areas could be included, depending upon weather conditions. Parents will be notified of alternate bus stops via media, school district website and automated phone calls no later than 6 a.m. on that day.

If the buses are using alternative bus stops, or if delays take place, we attempt to inform families and staff through a variety of ways. Communication with our Billings Public Schools’ families is paramount to our students’ and staff’s safety. Below is a brief list of resources parents may use to learn about alternative bus stops and other effects of adverse weather conditions.

SchoolConnect System - automated telephone notification system notifies parents within 45 minutes of being launched. Parents need to be sure that all phone numbers are updated with their children’s schools.
Stay connected with local TV, radio stations and the Billings Gazette.
Check the bus parent app for updates

Logo Image

Logo Title

In This Section