Lawrence Public Schools offer a Payride Transportation Program for eligible students. Elementary students residing more than 1.5 miles but less than 2.5 miles from their attendance center are eligible for payride transportation. Junior high school students residing more than two miles but less than 2.5 miles from their attendance center will also be eligible for payride transportation service. Students participating in this program will be picked up and dropped off at the closest existing stop on the bus route. The student’s home address will be used to determine distance from school. Students living 2.5 miles or more from their assigned school will continue to ride at no charge, after enrolling in the program.
The Board of Education reduced the cost to ride the bus in 2007-08. Fees are $100 per student/per semester for the first child in the family and $50 per student/per semester for the second child residing at the same address. All other children residing at the same address as the first two children ride at no charge. The maximum cost per family/per semester is $150. The maximum cost per family/per year is $300 .
It is very important to enroll early. Late enrollees who sign up after August 1 may experience delays in payride service, as well as delays in communication and confirmation of service. Upon payment, students will receive a bus pass from their bus driver within the first two weeks of school. Students must have a bus pass in order to board the bus.
Please complete and mail the payride enrollment form with a check or money order to First Student at the address on the enrollment form. Sorry, we cannot accept cash. For your convenience, Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted. You may fax your enrollment form to (785) 841-4388. Payment also can be made at First Student offices, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
It is imperative that all students planning to ride the bus enroll, even if they qualify for free transportation. Transportation will be provided at no charge for students who live 2.5 miles or more from their school, students approved for the Federal Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program and residing in a transported area, students qualifying for an I.E.P. requiring transportation or students in special education preschool programs. One-way transportation will be available at half price and only if space is available.