Please check for route changes that will begin Nov. 15 here
Please check for the dates your route/s will be suspended here
What is changing?
Due to a shortage of bus drivers in Montana and nationwide, the Helena School District does not have drivers for approximately 15 of its 68 routes. To ensure that we can continue to serve all routes the majority of the time, the district is introducing rolling route suspensions.
What are rolling route suspensions?
Bus service for every route in the district, with the exception of special education buses, will be suspended for one week (five consecutive days) each month. Families will be responsible for transporting their student/s to school during this time.
Who is affected?
The new bus schedule will affect all students who are registered for bus service, with the exception of special education routes.
When will bus routes return to normal?
Rolling route suspensions are expected to be in place through the remainder of the 2021-22 school year. Suspensions will be reduced if the district is able to recruit additional drivers.
Will my child’s bus assignment or route change?
In most cases, bus assignments and routes will return to the pre-COVID pandemic schedule. However there will be some changes.
How do I find out when my child’s bus route will be suspended?
How do I get reimbursed for my transportation costs as a result of route suspensions?
If you choose to be reimbursed, you will need to complete a Family Transportation Contract and a Form W-9, both of which are available on the HPS Transportation website. The transportation contract and Form W-9 need to be submitted by January 14, 2022. Please follow the instructions on the forms.
Please note that reimbursement is not available for courtesy riders.
Why do I need to complete a Form W-9?
Form W-9 is the Request for Taxpayer Identification Number. If your reimbursement exceeds $600 in a calendar year you will receive a 1099, as it is reportable income for tax purposes.
When will I receive my reimbursement check?
A total reimbursement for those who complete a transportation contact will be calculated at the end of the 2021-2022 school year and checks will be issued in June 2022.
How much will I be reimbursed for my family’s transportation costs?
If your child rides the bus eight or more times during a four-week rotation, you will receive $100 a month. If your child rides the bus fewer than 8 times, you will receive $50 a month.
What if my child’s bus route suspension falls on a holiday?
You will still receive the standard reimbursement rate for the week, even if there is no school.
What if I don’t have a car or other means of getting my child to school?
Please contact the HPS Transportation Department as soon as possible at 324-2100 or transportation@helenaschools.org.