Pay-to-Ride Program

• The program is provided on a space-available, time-available, first-come, first-served basis. Participation is limited according to capacity as determined by the district and is available to students in grades K-12.
• The program is only available on existing bus routes and at existing stops.  No additional routes and/or stops will be considered for pay-to-ride students after the deadline.
• Buses provided specifically for special education students are not eligible for this program.
• Bus stop locations and times are assigned by North America Central School Bus (NACSB).
• Availability of seats and location of bus stops is subject to change based on changes in enrollment, boundaries, and other factors determined by the District or NACSB and can occur at any time. When changes to routes or stops occur, families utilizing pay-to-ride busing will be notified at the same time that the families of eligible students are notified.
• Students must be picked up and dropped off at their assigned location only. Pick-up and drop-off must be at the same location.
• Requests for a change in a student’s bus stop will only be honored if the student’s address has changed.
• No guest students will be allowed to ride along with pay-to-ride students.
• All students riding the bus are subject to the rules and regulations of conduct and safety established by the District and NACSB. The District and NACSB use video cameras on school buses as a means to maintain a safe environment for students and staff.
• Refunds will be granted for any unused full trimester purchased for the current school year.  
• No refunds or rate adjustments will be made for days buses cannot operate because of weather or other circumstances beyond the control of NACSB or the district.
• Payments can be made online via MySchoolsBucks. Fee is charged on a per-year basis.

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 payments must be made no later than June 5, 2026, to be included on a bus roster for the start of the 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 placement earlier; however, a date prior to September 28 cannot be guaranteed and remains dependent on space being available.
• After September 7th, applicants will be notified no later than 10 school days from submission if space is available.

Applications will be accepted after the due date while 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.

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

Iowa City Community School District will begin processing applications upon receipt, in the order they are received. Each application and payment will be kept on file until it is determined that the student is eligible for a seat on the bus.