Bus Information
Laguna Beach Unified School District offers a parent-paid bus transportation program. School bus transportation is provided by Durham School Services for students in grades TK-8.
Students are required to present a District-issued bus pass when boarding. Passes require 2 business days to process and will be provided to the student at the school site. Review all rules and safety guidelines before purchasing. Kindergarten students (including TK) must be received by a parent or designated adult at the bus stop. Bus drivers will release all other grade students at their designated bus stop without a parent present.
District-paid applications may be submitted via email to transportation@lbusd.org. It is recommended applications be submitted in advance of the upcoming school year.
- BUS USE FEES
- BUS ROUTE SCHEDULES & DESIGNATED BUS STOPS
- BUSZONE INFORMATION
- DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION PLAN
- FAQ
- RULES & SAFETY GUIDELINES
- ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
BUS USE FEES
TRANSPORTATION FEE SCHEDULE |
|
---|---|
Type of Pass | Cost |
Annual Each Way (AM or PM) |
$230 Installment payment option offered for purchases prior to the start of the school year. Cost is reduced each school month* to prorate for remaining available use. *School months divide the school year into 10 segments and do not align with calendar months. |
Summer School Each Way (AM or PM) | $46 |
Temporary One-Week | $26 |
BUS ROUTE SCHEDULES & DESIGNATED BUS STOPS
Bus Route Schedules
Schedules are subject to change. Routes may be restructured to accommodate transportation needs.
Riders are requested to be at the stop, in line and ready to board, 5 -10 minutes prior to the scheduled time. Drivers are unable to wait for late riders. The time listed is both an arrival and departure time. Boarding and disembarking occurs immediately upon bus arrival at the stop location.
Times may vary from the schedule due to conditions such as passenger loading, traffic, and roadway issues.
Designated Bus Stops
Not all stops are in use at all times. School site bus schedules reflect stops currently in use.
BUSZONE INFORMATION
BusZone is a GPS tracking application that allows for real-time location monitoring of our school buses. This application offers the following benefits:
- Real-Time Bus Tracking: View the exact location of your child's school bus, allowing you to plan your pick-up and drop-off times more effectively.
- Delay Alerts: Receive notifications in case of any unexpected delays due to construction, traffic, or other factors, so you can stay informed and adjust your schedule accordingly.
- Enhanced Safety: Contribute to the safety and security of your child by ensuring that you are well informed about their whereabouts during their commute to and from school.
Please follow these instructions to download and use the application. Please note you will need an access code available from the school site office and your student’s ID number, which can be found by logging into your student’s Aeries portal and navigating to the Demographics page. The app is not available at the onset of school but will be activated by the first week of September.
DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION PLAN
FAQ
Does my student need a bus pass?
A current LBUSD-issued pass is required to ride the bus. The pass provides the driver with the stop locations and indicates if the student needs to be met by an adult. Students must present their District-issued bus pass upon boarding and disembarking the bus.
How do I get my student's bus pass?
Bus passes are delivered to your student at their school site within 2 business days following purchase. Bus drivers will have a list of eligible riders for morning transport on the first day of school only. After such time, students must present a pass to the driver upon boarding.
What if I cannot afford a bus pass?
We offer an installment payment option for annual passes purchased prior to the start of the school year. The total amount may be divided into monthly payments for automatic rebilling to your credit card.
District-paid bus passes may be requested at any time by submitting a completed application. Qualifying criteria is based on the California Department of Education free eligibility guidelines for the current school year and requires verification as outlined on the form. It is recommended District-paid applications be submitted in advance of the upcoming school year. Once qualified, round trip passes are offered for the entire school year and summer programs upon request.
Am I required to meet my student at the bus stop?
We require TK and Kindergarten students to be met at the bus stop by a parent or designated adult. It is recommended all students be met by a parent or parent designee. We also encourage all students to walk together in groups. The parent or guardian is responsible for the student prior to boarding the bus and following disembarkment from the bus.
What if my student wants to go home with a friend or to a different bus stop?
Students may only board and disembark according to the bus and stop number printed on their pass. Day-to-day changes are not able to be accommodated. Drivers are not authorized to make any stop changes or accommodate change requests. Parents are responsible for providing their own transportation for end-of-day plan changes such as playdates, birthday parties, sports events, and Boys & Girls Club closures.
What if my student needs to ride to more than one location?
We provide home to school transportation and offer one am bus and one pm bus assignment per student to ensure all students have the opportunity to access transportation. Families with dual household custody arrangements may create a hybrid pass for two home locations by purchasing one home bus route online and then emailing transportation@lbusd.org to arrange for the addition of the second home route at no additional cost, subject to availability. Documentation may be requested as verification.
All families that participate in the transportation program will receive a ParentSquare notification if bus routes have capacity for additional riders. The notification happens mid to late November following the final restructuring of routes. At that time, we open any remaining seat availability for an additional stop assignment until routes reach full capacity. Requests are submitted using this form.
If you are experiencing a transportation hardship that you are unable to resolve, we will consider special circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
What if I need to make a permanent change to my student's bus pass?
A permanent change to a bus pass may be requested using this form. If seating is available on the requested route, you will receive an email with directions to complete the purchase of a $5 replacement pass. Allow 2 business days for a pass change request to be processed following payment completion. Students may only board and disembark according to the bus and stop number printed on their pass, so changes take effect once your student is in possession of the new pass.
May I make a temporary change to my student's bus pass?
We offer a one-week temporary round trip bus pass for additional purchase. Week-long bus passes (5 sequential school days) may be purchased online, provided room exists on the requested route. Please email transportation@lbusd.org to make a request. Include your student's name, school site location, dates requested, and stop locations when requesting the temporary pass. Please allow 2 business days for the temporary pass to be processed following payment completion. Students must present a District-issued pass in order to board the bus.
How do I replace a lost bus pass?
Bus passes are considered the property of LBUSD. According, students are expected to safeguard their passes. Passes must be presented upon boarding and disembarking the bus. LBUSD assumes no liability for lost passes. A $5 replacement pass may be purchased online using the bus pass purchase link at the top of this page.
My student left an item on the bus, how do we get it back?
Drivers check their buses after each run. Check with the school site to see if the driver has returned the item to the office. Contact your student's bus driver the following day. You may also call Durham Transportation at (949) 376-0376.
May my student eat or drink on the bus?
For the safety of all students, we do not permit the consumption of food or drink on the bus.
Why are buses sometimes late?
School bus drivers do all they can to remain on schedule; however, they do experience conditions that can delay the bus such as traffic delays, roadway collisions, and construction. All students are asked to be at their bus stop 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled time so that they are ready to board when the bus arrives.
Are refunds available?
Refunds are only issued if a student moves out of the District or to a non-transportable area. All requests for refunds are made using our refund request form and may be submitted to the school site or District office. Refunds are prorated based on remaining full school months. Please note that school months divide the school year into 10 segments and do not align with calendar months. A $10 processing fee is charged per pass. The District does not refund fares for students suspended or expelled from transportation or school for disciplinary reasons. The bus pass itself must be surrendered to the school or district office to complete the refund request.
RULES & SAFETY GUIDELINES
Rules and Safety Guidelines
- Use only the designated bus stop and bus assigned: students may only board and disembark according to the bus number and stop printed on their pass
- Day-to-day changes are not permitted; drivers are not authorized to make any stop changes or accommodate change requests
- Parents are responsible for providing their own transportation for end-of-day plan changes
- Kindergartners (including TK) must be received at the bus stop by a parent or designated adult; bus drivers will release all other grade students at their designated bus stop without a parent present
- The parent or guardian is responsible for the student until they board the bus and after they disembark from the bus
- Student safety depends upon the proper and safe conduct of each individual
- Students are responsible for safekeeping, controlling, and presenting their bus pass
- Arrive at bus stop ten minutes before bus is due
- Behave in an orderly manner at bus stop: as bus arrives, form a line and stand at least six feet back from curb; do not move toward bus until it has come to a complete stop and door is open
- Be respectful of neighbors while walking to and from the bus stop and while waiting for the bus
- Use only public access on the way to and from the bus stop
- Always obey all traffic laws
- Display bus pass to the driver upon boarding the bus
- Board the bus, find a seat quickly and remain seated at all times, facing front, while bus is in motion
- Follow instructions of the driver: drivers may assign seats, assign three to a seat, assign seatmates, and take other actions needed for safe passage of the students
- Talk quietly: do not shout, yell, use profane language or gestures, fight, or behave in a boisterous manner
- Keep all body parts inside the bus
- Not eat, drink, or chew gum, while on the bus
- Not bring animals, glass objects, or large bulky or hazardous articles of any kind on the bus, including boogie boards, bike wheels, and skateboards
- Not litter the bus or engage in vandalism, destruction of property, or graffiti (costs will be billed to the student and their parent)
- Not possess or use tobacco, drugs or alcohol, firearms, knives, explosives, or other dangerous objects aboard the bus
- Not light matches, lighters or firecrackers aboard the bus
- Not play or tamper with any part of the bus
- Not ask driver to discharge students anywhere but at a designated bus stops, in accordance with the law
- Remain quiet at the bus stops
- When exiting the bus, follow the drivers' instructions: if crossing on the opposite side of the street, always cross in front of the bus, and utilize the crosswalk, obeying all traffic laws
- Respect the danger zone around the bus
Durham School Services Safety Information
This section is pursuant to Ed. Code Sections 39831.3-39831.5 and Vehicle Code Section 22112.
Student Behavior and Discipline
All District policies and rules regarding safety, behavior, and discipline remain in effect on the school bus. Parents are encouraged to review the student responsibilities and Durham's rules and regulations with their student(s). With parent assistance and the cooperation of all student riders, the District is able to continue to provide safe transportation. The principal of each school site shall be responsible for policy enforcement. The Superintendent, or designee, may review any or all violations for final recommendation, if necessary.
First Violation: The rider and parent/guardian will be contacted by the principal, or designeeSecond Violation: The rider may be denied district transportation services for a period of three or more daysThird Violation: The rider may be denied district transportation services for a period of two or more weeksFourth Violation: The rider may be denied district transportation services for the remainder of the school yearThreats of harm, acts of violence, or any behavior that is a danger to self or others may be cause for immediate denial of district transportation services
Misuse of Bus Pass
Misuse of a bus pass is subject to disciplinary measures.
Using or attempting to use a stolen, found, or forged bus passAllowing another student to use one's own bus passUsing or attempting to use an expired bus pass
Possession of any pass which is not the property of the possessor, shall constitute evidence of improper possession and use, or attempted use, and is reason to exercise disciplinary measures.
Students Without a Bus Pass
- If the student is at the bus stop, student is transported to school, and the driver notifies the school office
- The school office contacts the parent/guardian
- Students without a bus pass will not be allowed to ride the bus home from school
ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
We currently offer high school students shared ridership on the TMS Zero Period Bus. This provides Monday through Thursday early morning transportation. This option may be purchased using the Bus Pass Purchase Link at the top of this page.
OC Bus Youth Ride Free Program
We are happy to partner with Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) to distribute Youth Ride Free passes now through September 2025. Please provide a signed parental request form to the school site office or transportation@lbusd.org. Passes will be distributed directly to students at the school site.
City of Laguna Beach Transit & Trolleys
The City of Laguna Beach provides after-school trolley service from Thurston Middle School to downtown Laguna Beach. A trolley will depart Thurston Middle School at 3:20 p.m. every weekday, making stops at Park/St. Ann's, Legion/Short, Legion/Goff and the downtown Bus Depot. In addition, morning and afternoon trolleys on the Weekday Coastal route between North and South Laguna will deviate off Coast Highway to serve Laguna Beach High School at arrival and dismissal times.
LAGUNA BEACH LOCAL ON-DEMAND NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSIT
The City offers a free, on-demand, shared-ride transit service called Laguna Local between the City's residential neighborhoods and major activity centers within the City. The On-Demand service does not run on a fixed schedule or route and may experience delays during peak times due to ridership demand. Please note the list of service details on their webpage, including an average wait time of 15-30 minutes following ride request, bike racks with a weight limit of 50 pounds (no e-bikes), and children under age 13 must be accompanied by adult.
HIGH SCHOOL SHUTTLE SERVICE TO THE PORT LB (LANG PARK COMMUNITY CENTER)
OCTA Orange County Bikeways Guide
CA DMV Minor Driver Restrictions
If your student's transportation needs are unmet by the options offered, please contact your student's school site counseling team for assistance.