Busing

Transportation for Alternative Programs

Students attending Alternative Programs access general transportation under a congregated stop model. Congregated stops are used when students from the same or multiple communities congregate or gather at one stop to take a bus to their chosen school.

The bus stop may be well beyond reasonable walking distance from a student’s home. Families are responsible for student safety to, from, and at the bus stop and may be required to arrange for transportation to and from the congregated stop.

The routes and stops are final and changes will not be made based on new registrations or the route students must travel to get to the stop location.  Students who are registered after the deadline will be added to closest bus with available space and may not be closest congregated stop.

When CBE selects a congregated stop location we look at a number of factors including student safety, ease of access for the bus, public space for students to gather and available parking for parents.

ZPass

ZPass cards are issued to registered riders who are new to general transportation. 

  • The ZPass only has the CBE Student ID number, for privacy and security.  Please do not add personal identifying information. 
  • Do not punch holes in the ZPass, as it will render the card unreadable.
  • Students scan their ZPass using an electronic card reader installed on the bus every time they get on and off the bus
  • If a student forgets a ZPass, they should notify the driver; they will still be able to ride the bus
  • If a student loses a ZPass, parents are must request a replacement pass through MyCBE/PowerSchool
  • Please note that ZPass cards are not printed after May long weekend
  • ZPass cards are meant to be multi-year and should be kept for reuse, even if transportation is cancelled for a period of time

Service Delays

Southland uses a bus route monitoring app called MyBusStop for all Southland Transportation routes. You can use the mobile and web application GPS tracking service to see real-time information and route delays.

  • School codes change each school year and will be provided to families before the start of the school year through MyCBE

Families can visit www.mybusstop.ca to register and create an account. Parents/Guardians and students can register for this app so that all can use the tracking service to see real-time information and route delays.

  • Once registered, the app can be used

Questions, concerns or suggestions regarding registration or use of the application can be forwarded to admin@mybusstop.ca.

As a reminder of winter weather, please plan ahead for using transportation in cold weather.

 

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​​​​​​​​Getting Students to School

You can register your child for yellow school bus transportation online using your MyCBE or completing a transportation registration form.

Please visit the CBE website to find more information on fees and service levels for the 2023-24 school year.​

Yellow school bus registrations can be cancelled by Sept. 30 with no financial penalty. Cancellation​ forms must be completed before a pro-rated refund can be considered. No refunds will be processed for service cancelled after Apr. 30, or for individual trip delays.

Bus Status

Parents/guardians can view the bus status online:

We are aware of the communication challenges the providers are having keeping route information up-to-date for families. At this time, all service provider staff are dedicated to driving buses and they are not always able to accommodate this service.​

Visit CBE Transportation​ for forms and more information.

Conditional Riders

Students who are not attending the designated school for their program, or who are not within the transportation service area, may be able to access existing service if there is a suitable stop on the existing bus route. Fees will not be waived for conditional riders.

Criteria for Conditional Riders

  • Must access an existing stop
  • Must be room on the bus
  • Must pay the transportation fee
  • No additional bus routes will be implemented to accommodate conditional riders
  • Must wait for written approval from Transportation Services before starting to ride the bus

Conditional riders are not permitted to ride the bus until it is determined there is space on the bus and riders have been approved by Transportation Services.

Alternate Addresses

We've heard from families that they would like more flexibility to access bus stops and routes to support childcare arrangements and changing family schedules. This year, CBE Transportation will allow families to add a second address to their transportation registration to have access to two bus stops and/or routes.

Note | All addresses must be within the attendance area for the school and outside the walk zone. Maps can be found on the school profile on the CBE website. The information collected from parents informs bus route planning, but does not guarantee a stop at the exact location requested.

To participate in the program, you must:

  • Pre-register for transportation in MyCBE by the June 11, 2023 deadline.
  • Fill in the Request for Alternate Address form in MyCBE and provide one additional address and schedule for your child. Note: the form will only appear after you register.

CBE Transportation will review each request to determine if the request can be accommodated. Families will be notified of the decision within six weeks of application. If it is approved, the second address will be used as we are creating new bus routes.

The cost of this request, if approved, is $110.​

​​​​​​Calgary Transit

Some students use Calgary Transit to get to school. Families are responsible for purchasing Calgary Transit monthly passes. Students must carry proof of fare every time they use Calgary Transit. More information about fares and routes are available on the CBE website or the Calgary Transit website.​​​​​​

Families can access low-income monthly passes through the City of Calgary's Fair Entry Program. This program offers a streamlined application process for City subsidy programs, including reduced rates for transit passes. You can find more information about the program at www.calgary.ca/fairentry.

Calgary Transit​ has a “Plan a Trip” tool or families can also call 403-262-1000 for assistance with route planning and questions about Calgary Transit operations.​ Families do not need to register to use Calgary Transit, including school express routes.​​​

​​School Bus Safety at the CBE

School bus loading zones provide a safe area for students to embark and disembark the buses. Please do not drive into the school bus loading zone when you pick up or drop off your child.

Help teach your child to safely cross the street around school buses. Children should:

  • Stand back a safe distance from the bus

  • Wait until the bus leaves the stop

  • Walk to the closest intersection

  • Cross the street only when they have a clear view of traffic in both directions and it is safe to do so

The CBE and school bus carriers want to ensure your child's safety and make their experience on the bus a positive one.​​​