Bus Zones, Routes & Stops
Each year, the West Fargo Public Schools Transportation Department transports 40% of the district’s student population, for a total of over 700,000 miles.
Non-Bus Zones vs. Bus Zones
The district has set a 1-mile non-Bus Zone around all Elementary Schools and a 1.5-mile non-Bus Zone around all Middle and High Schools; busing is offered to all eligible students outside of that radius. The distance is calculated using the district's automated routing software to ensure fairness for all families. A map of the non-bus zones is available HERE.
Bus Routes
Bus routes are mapped and planned using computer software. It is the goal of the Transportation Department to keep all routes under 60 minutes in length. In rare circumstances, due to the rural nature of portions of our district, route times will exceed the hour preference. Parents may inquire about transportation eligibility and register their students by completing a bus registration form at their school.
Call the Transportation Department for bus routing information - (701) 356-2120.
Bus Stops
Bus stops are located so all students eligible for busing have less than or equal to 0.4 mile walk from their home to the bus stop. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure their children get to and from bus stops safely. In cases of long rural driveways where bus access is limited, we respectfully request parents to meet the bus at an appropriate location. Students should strive to be at the bus stop for morning pickup at least five minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the bus. Students are expected to board and exit at their designated stop.
Bus/Stop Assignment
The Transportation Department assigns all eligible students’ transportation services based off the address listed as their home address in Power School. There are three exceptions of particular to note:
- Parents whose children utilize transportation services to addresses other than their home address (daycares are a notable example). This option is allowable if there is capacity available on the bus going to the alternate location.
- Typically, students that open enroll into WFPS from another district are not eligible for transportation services. However, these students may utilize bus services if they make suitable arrangements with the Transportation Department in advance. Open enrolled students may use current bus stop locations if the bus has available capacity. The Transportation Department will not alter or make route adjustments to accommodate open enrolled students.
- When the district "force transfers" a child from their home school to another school in the district due to capacity issues, this child will also be eligible for busing from their home to their new school.
Please note that the district's mapping software is the official measuring tool for any distance determinations related to transportation. Parents and guardians who feel there are hazards present where their child needs to walk should submit a request to the Transportation Director. The Transportation Director and Superintendent will consider any hazards that would alter the zones, routes, or stops. The Transportation Department reserves the right to add, change, or delete bus stop locations and times.