General Education Transportation Services

San Marcos Unified School District provides safe and reliable transportation for eligible general education students attending their neighborhood schools. Eligibility is based on grade level and distance from the school site, in accordance with Board policy. We coordinate bus routes with school bell schedules to minimize ride times and ensure timely arrival and dismissal. All school buses are equipped with GPS tracking, enabling parents to monitor their child's bus location in real-time through the “Here Comes the Bus” app. Our drivers are certified professionals committed to student safety, and our buses are maintained to the highest standards by our in-house team of skilled mechanics.

General Education Transportation Services – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is eligible for general education transportation?
A: Eligibility follows California Education Code and SMUSD guidelines. Students qualify if they live within their school’s attendance boundary but beyond the minimum walking distance:

• Elementary & K–8: 1 mile or more

• Middle School: 2 miles or more
  Note: General education transportation is not provided for high school, except for Twin Oaks High School.

Q: How do I apply for bus transportation?
A: Parents need to complete a General Education Transportation Application. Twin Oaks High School is an exception—students do not pre-register. Instead, bus drivers at Twin Oaks verify enrollment and issue passes directly.

Q: How will I know my student’s bus stop and pick-up time?
A: Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with your student’s assigned stop, route letter, and pick-up/drop-off times. Stop times may change during the year due to construction, traffic, or ridership adjustments.

Q: What if my student misses the bus?
A: If a student misses the morning bus, it is the parent’s responsibility to provide transportation to school. To avoid missed rides, students should arrive at their stop at least five minutes early.

Q: Can my student ride a different bus or get off at another stop with a friend?
A: No. For safety and accountability, students must ride their assigned bus and use their assigned stop.

Q: What should I do if my student loses their bus pass?
A: Contact the Transportation Department at 760-290-2670 or email bus.info@smusd.org to request a replacement.

Q: Are there rules students must follow on the bus?
A: Yes. Riding the bus is a privilege. Students must:

• Follow the driver’s instructions

• Stay seated while the bus is moving

• Speak and act respectfully
  Failure to follow bus rules may result in suspension of riding privileges.

Q: Who can I contact with questions about routes, stops, or eligibility?
A: Call the Transportation Department at 760-290-2670 or email bus.info@smusd.org.

Q: How are SMUSD bus drivers trained and qualified?
A: All drivers undergo fingerprint background checks, drug and alcohol testing, medical certification, and ongoing safety training. Every bus is inspected daily by the driver and regularly by the California Highway Patrol to meet state safety standards.

Q: What if my student’s address or school changes?
A: Contact the Transportation Department immediately so we can update routes and ensure your student is assigned to the correct stop.

Q: How do I purchase a bus pass, and what are the costs?
A: After your application is approved, you’ll receive an email from no.reply@mail.droplet.io with your bus stop details, times, and payment instructions. Please check your spam folder if you don’t see the email.

Bus Pass Options:

• Full Year – Round Trip: $725

• Full Year – One Way: $400

• Half Year – Round Trip: $400

• Half Year – One Way: $200

• Coupon Book (40 one-way rides): $100
  If siblings share a coupon book, each student must have their own transportation application on file.

If your child attends one of the schools listed below and you are interested in having them ride the school bus, you must complete a Transportation Application/General Eduacation.

Eligible Schools

Elementary and TK-8 Schools: Carrillo, Discovery, Double Peak, Joli Ann Leichtag, Knob Hill, La Costa Meadows, La Mirada Academy, Paloma, Richland, San Marcos, San Elijo, Twin Oaks

Middle Schools: San Elijo, San Marcos, and Woodland Park

Eligibility Zones

Elementary and TK-8 Schools: Living 1 mile or more from the school but within the school’s attendance boundary.

Middle Schools: Living 2 miles or more from the school but within the school’s attendance boundary.

Processing takes up to 2 weeks – Apply now so your student is ready to ride.

Students cannot ride the bus until their application has been processed and approved.

Once approved, you’ll receive an email with your student’s bus stop location and times.

Bus drivers will hand out bus passes or coupons directly to students.

Submit your application today to avoid delays.

For more information, email bus.info@smusd.org or call (760) 290-2670.

• To sign up for the new transportation service and to ensure you qualify, you will need to fill out a Transportation Application General Education form NOW AVAILABLE on the Transportation Application/General Education.
• Additionally, there will also be a list of multiple bus stops for each school, so you will be able to choose the bus stop closest to your home. The Transportation team has selected these stops carefully to ensure they are convenient for everyone.  

How do I purchase a bus pass, and what are the costs?
After your application is approved, you’ll receive an email from no.reply@mail.droplet.io with your bus stop details, times, and payment instructions. Please check your spam folder if you don’t see the email.

Bus Pass Options:

• Full Year – Round Trip: $725

• Full Year – One Way: $400

• Half Year – Round Trip: $400

• Half Year – One Way: $200

• Coupon Book (40 one-way rides): $100
  If siblings share a coupon book, each student must have their own transportation application on file.