Transportation FAQ

List of 27 frequently asked questions.

• How does the pricing work?

  Bus service is priced at $2,915 for the 2025-26 school year, for San Francisco Buses and $3,410 for the Marin bus. Your child can ride any day; however, the full-time cost of participating in this program is fixed. You will be billed for the entire school year. Financial assistance is available.

   

• Who is driving the bus?

  First Student, Inc. will provide the vehicles and drivers. 

• Are there driver background checks?

  Yes, bus drivers are required to successfully complete the same LiveScan that teachers must, as well as a driving test provided by First Student for all drivers.

• Does the bus have seatbelts?

  California requires three-point seat belts on (1) school buses manufactured on and after July 1, 2005 that carry more than 16 passengers, and (2) all other school buses manufactured on and after July 1, 2004. It asks school transportation providers to first allocate seat-belt equipped school buses for elementary school students whenever possible. The state cannot charge any person, school district, or organization with violating this law if a passenger either does not fasten his or her seat belt, or does so improperly (Cal. Veh. Code § 27316). State regulations require school bus passengers to (1) use the seat belts; and (2) be taught how to use them in an age-appropriate manner (Cal. Code Regs. Title 5, § 14105).

• If the bus isn't going to show up for some reason, at what point would I be notified?

  Vehicle Issues: If a vehicle experiences mechanical problems, the transportation provider will notify the school immediately with estimated delay times. The school will send text notifications with updated pickup information to affected families.
  
  

  Traffic Delays: During peak travel times, traffic congestion may occur. When delays exceed five minutes, drivers will alert the school, and the school will notify families of revised arrival times.

• Is there an app for parents to track the bus with real-time GPS?

  Yes. In fall 2025, parents and caregivers will be able to download an app for both Apple and Android devices to receive near real-time vehicle location through GPS and track its progress. You will also be able to set up family members and caregivers to receive customizable trip update alerts and emails.

• What happens if the bus is in an accident, gets a flat tire, etc.?

  The bus company will notify Burke’s of the issue and give us an approximate time of delay. This information will be forwarded immediately to parents via text message, so they know about the delay and new estimated pickup times or service disruption.

• Where do students arrive at school?

  The bus will drop the students off at the MUNI bus stop on the corner of California and 32nd Avenue. They then walk up the cul-de-sac to campus.

• Are there any adults on the bus besides the driver? 

  The only adult First Student provides on the bus is the driver.

• Are devices allowed on the bus?

  Yes, students may use their phones and computers on the bus and should use headphones for audiobooks or music. Social media of any kind, including chats and texts, other than to parents, is not allowed. Keeping track of devices is the student's responsibility, and any device brought on the bus should be one the student is allowed to have at school.

• Is food allowed on the bus?

  Food is not allowed to be consumed on the bus. Students may have their snacks for school in their bags.

• What about allergies?

  We should not have any allergy issues because food is not allowed on the bus. If you have specific concerns, please contact Renita LiVolsi.

• Are there assigned seats?

  There are no assigned seats on the bus.

• How many kids (min/max) per bus? What about Upper vs. Lower School?

  The bus is available to students in both Upper and Lower School and will plan to arrive at school each day by 8:05 a.m. to allow Upper School students time to visit their lockers and be in Advisory on time. Bus ridership will vary by route and demand. We need a minimum ridership per route to commit to each bus route.

• Are music or other loud noises allowed? My child might use this time for homework/reading.

  Amplified music is not allowed on the bus. Students may use headphones to listen to audiobooks or music. A quiet environment is expected both for school work and to ensure a safe driving environment for the driver.

• How can we provide feedback regarding driver behavior? Regarding student behavior?

  All behavior comments should be directed to Renita LiVolsi who then follow up with the driver and students involved.

• How were the routes determined?

  We realize that driving to and from Burke’s each day can be a hardship for families. Our goal is to help those families farthest from school, and we used geographical data and community feedback to help us determine maximum ridership opportunities and efficient routes. Burke's does not want its geographical location to hinder potential applicants or accepted families.

• How will new routes be added? When?

  We are always open to feedback about new routes — please contact Renita LiVolsi.

• How many stops? How long is total travel time?

  The number of stops ranges from three to five depending on the route. The longest travel time should be about an hour. When we expand and optimize the program routes, stops and the travel time will vary based on ridership and demand.

• How long does the bus "wait" at each stop?

  The bus arrives at the stop and loads the students, which takes from two to five minutes depending on the number of students. If a parent believes the student will be more than five minutes late to a particular stop, they should drive directly to the next stop to ensure the child can catch the bus.

• Do I need to wait with my child at the drop-off location?

  Bus stops will not be monitored. It is up to each family to decide if their daughter is safe and able enough to wait on her own. We highly recommend that parents/guardians wait until the bus has arrived.

• What if my child only needs to ride on certain days of the week?

  Your child can ride any day; however, the cost of participating in this program is fixed. This is not a pay-as-you-go program, as that would not be sustainable for the community. You will be billed for the entire school year.
  
  

• How do I get in touch with my daughter(s) during the drive?

  If parents need to contact their children during the drive, they can reach the children on their personal phones or contact Burke’s, and Burke’s will relay the message to their children when they arrive on campus.

• What are the plans in case of emergency, earthquake, or natural disaster?

  The bus company will notify Burke’s of the bus location and status. This information will be forwarded immediately to parents via text message.

• What if my daughter is sick? How do we let the bus know?

  There is no need to let the bus know if your student will not be able to make the bus due to illness or any other reason. The bus will follow its schedule regardless.

• Will the bus run after school?

  Bus service is currently offered on all three routes for the morning commute to school. 
  
  We are testing an afternoon bus pilot for the Noe Valley route only at this time. It is difficult to accommodate different school departure times and individual after-school activity schedules that vary daily.

• May I speak to a current family about their experience?

  Please contact Renita LiVolsi to be put in touch with current program families. Please include your child’s grade so we can match you with a family with a similarly aged student.