Frequently Asked Questions

Controlled crossings include stop lights, stop signs, crosswalks and other traffic control devices that assist pedestrians crossing the street.

Plano ISD has updated approved hazardous bus routes using TEA recommendations and Board approved guidelines.  The number of hazardous routes is reducing due to improved infrastructure added to Plano ISD roadways by our municipalities. 

The main reason intersections have different designations are the presence of pedestrian activated crosswalks at most crosswalks. One of the key guidelines in determining hazardous roadways is the presence of a pedestrian activated crosswalk.

No. A crossing guard is not a requirement for TEA or Board approved guildelines. In Plano, crossing guards are employed by the City of Plano.

Plano ISD Transportation follows TEA-recommended and board-approved guidelines, Policies CNA(Legal) and CNA(Local), to determine hazardous roadways. Students who live within two miles of a campus and reside in a designated hazardous area or roadway are eligible for hazardous bus transportation. 

Hazardous roadways in Plano ISD are defined as follows:

• Four- or six-lane roadway with a speed limit over 45 mph
• Four- or six-lane roadway that does not have pedestrian-activated traffic signals
• U.S. 75 Central Expressway
• Dallas North Tollway
• President George Bush Turnpike
• S.H. 289 / Preston Road
• Active Railroad Track
• Areas that do not have sidewalks or safe paths (a safe path does not have to be a sidewalk)

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Students are eligible for regular transportation if the address where the student legally resides is two or more miles away from the home campus.

The parent/guardian is responsible for selecting a safe method of transportation for their child.

Plano ISD uses a computerized routing and mapping system as the standard for all eligibility measurements. This is accomplished by incorporating GIS street and parcel data provided by the county.

• When schools are established, the flagpole's GPS coordinates are taken and imported into the routing system.
• This allows for the most accurate measurement between the flagpole and each residence in a given attendance zone and is the standard used by Plano ISD. 
• Plano ISD does not utilize Google Maps to determine eligibility measurements. 

We understand that changes to our transportation services can be challenging for our community. The Plano ISD Board of Trustees has approved updates to our transportation plan as part of our broader efforts to manage resources effectively and ensure compliance with state guidelines. While these decisions are difficult, they are necessary to maintain sustainable services. There is no formal appeal process for decisions based on approved TEA guidelines and district policies. However, we have established a Transportation Safety Committee that meets annually to assess hazardous roadways and ensure our policies remain effective.

Fare Busing is offered on a limited basis on an established approved regular transportation route if there is an available seat. This is a first come first serve basis. Additional Fare Busing routes beyond regular transportation routes will not be added for the 2025-2026 school year.

No. Transportation services for students served in special education are determined through the ARD Committee.

When walking to school, students should follow the safest available route, which may include using pedestrian-activated crosswalks and designated paths. If there are no sidewalks, students should use the most direct and safest route possible.

During inclement weather, we recommend considering alternative transportation methods to ensure your child's safety. Families may find carpooling or other options helpful in such situations. Ultimately, parents/guardians are responsible for selecting a safe method of transportation for their child if bus service is not available. We encourage you to explore various options that suit your family’s needs and ensure a safe commute.

The parent/guardian is responsible for selecting a safe method of transportation for their child.

School bus transportation is not a required service for most students. However, there are exceptions:

• IEP Transportation: For students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), transportation may be provided as a related service if determined necessary by a special education Annual Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee.

• McKinney-Vento Eligibility: Students who qualify under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvement Act are also eligible for transportation services.

Plano ISD does offer transportation to eligible students based on state guidelines (e.g., those living two or more miles from their assigned school). 

For all other students, it is generally the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child gets to school safely, whether through carpooling, biking, walking or other means. 

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