Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How far must children live from school before the school district is
required to transport them?
A. Generally, children must live two miles or more from their assigned school before a school district is required to transport them to and from school. It is a local school board decision on whether to transport children who live less than two miles. Because of the many unique programs and situations that may exist, it is
recommended that parents contact their local school district to obtain information
on the transportation services that may be available.
Q. Must a school district transport children who live less than two miles
from school if there is a hazard between the home and the school?
A. No. A school district may transport children who would encounter an extraordinary
traffic, drug or crime hazard if they walked, but the school district is not required to provide transportation.
Q. Who determines what conditions are extraordinary traffic, drug or crime
hazards?
A. The school district would determine what conditions would be considered
hazardous.
Q. How does a district measure the distance between a child’s home and the
school?
A. The walking distance is measured on public roadways or walkways using the most
direct, safe route. There is nothing in state law or rule that specifies at what point the measurement must start and end. Each school district should have a method
on how the measurement is made for the schools within its district.
Q. How far can a school district require a child to walk to a bus stop?
A. There is nothing in law or rule about the distance between the child’s home and the bus stop. This is true for all age and grade levels. Local school districts may adopt a maximum distance in their school boards’ transportation policy.
Q. Is there a law or rule that limits the amount of time a child can spend on
the school bus?
A. There is nothing in state law or rule that sets a maximum amount of time a child
can spend on the school bus. Local school districts may adopt a maximum time in
their school boards’ transportation policy.
Q. Can my child lose his/her bus riding privileges?
A. Yes. In Minnesota, riding a school bus is a privilege and not a right. Each local
school district has adopted rules of conduct for waiting at the bus stop and for
riding the school bus. If your child does not follow the rules, your child could lose
his/her bus riding privileges for the entire school year.
Q. Will my child receive school bus safety training at school?
A. Yes. Children in grades kindergarten through tenth must receive school bus safety
training during the first few weeks of school. It is recommended that parents
review the school bus safety rules with younger children throughout the school
year.
Q. Are there any laws and rules that limit the passenger seating on a school
bus?
A. Yes. The number of children on the school bus cannot be more than the number of
passengers that can be fully seated. The seating capacity must be adjusted
according to each passenger’s individual physical size but cannot be more than the
manufacturer’s rated seating capacity for the bus. No child is allowed to stand while
the bus is in motion.
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