Pay-to-Ride Application for 2026-2027 is Now Open

We would like to notify you of the 2026-27 Pay-to-Ride school transportation program, which is available to families who do not qualify for mandatory transportation under the State of Iowa's requirements.

Iowa Code 285.1.a. The Board of Directors in every school district shall provide transportation, either directly or by reimbursement for transportation, for all resident pupils attending public school, kindergarten through twelfth grade, except that: 

1. Elementary pupils shall be entitled to transportation only if they live more than two miles from the school designated for attendance.
2. High school pupils shall be entitled to transportation only if they live more than three miles from the school designated for attendance.

If you have any questions before applying, please don’t hesitate to contact our Transportation Department via email at Davis.Esme@iowacityschools.org.

The Pay-to-Ride program details are available on our District website at www.IowaCitySchools.org/PayToRide

Payment and Fees for Service

• Pay-to-Ride fee:
  • $700 per student, per year, round trip
  • $415 per student, per year, round trip, for students who qualify for reduced-price lunch.
  • $0 per student, per year, round trip, for students who qualify for free lunch.
• Full payment must be made no later than June 5, 2026, to be included on a bus roster for the start of the 2026-27 school year.
  • Applications submitted after June 6 through September 7, 2026, will be included on a bus no later than September 28, 2026, if space is available. Efforts will be made to make placements earlier; however, a date prior to September 28 cannot be guaranteed and remains subject to available space.
  • After September 7, 2026, applicants will be notified no later than 10 school days from submission if space is available.
• Applications will be accepted after the due date as long as capacity remains on existing routes. (Note: Students will only be assigned to existing bus stops and routes; buses will not be rerouted to accommodate requests.)
• Students are not eligible to ride until payment is received and the application is approved.

Application Process

1. To apply for Pay-to-Ride busing, please complete the Pay-to-Ride application available at www.IowaCitySchools.org/PayToRide
2. Payment can be made online at https://www.myschoolbucks.com or by check made payable to Iowa City Community School District

If you are interested in participating in the Pay-to-Ride program, please complete the application and submit payment no later than June 5, 2026, to be considered for a bus roster for the start of the 2026-27 school year.