List of 20 frequently asked questions.

• What are the policies and safety protocols for stop-to-school bus transportation?

  Bus transportation will meet or excede State pandemic mandates.
  

  • Masks are mandatory on the bus for all students, regardless of grade.
  • Students are responsible for providing their own masks.
  • Temperatures will be taken before students board the buses.
  • Physical distancing will be observed with a maximum of 1 student per seat (with the exception that siblings may sit together on one seat). There are 24 seats on a large bus.
  • Bus cleaning procedures will be documented and meet State guidelines.

• How are the routes determined? 

  All routes are established based on ridership. There must be a sufficient number of riders to create a route. We choose a site centrally located on the route, plan the stop on the route for easy access for a bus, and make sure the site is plowed in winter. We often use libraries, churches, and parking lots in general.
  

• Will my child have to change buses?

  Most students will need to change buses at one of the hub campuses. Hathaway Brown, Laurel, and University School’s Hunting Valley campus are each hubs for three routes. 
  
  

  US's Hunting Valley campus is the hub for east side routes 6, 7, and 8, so students on those routes would not need to change buses. Students coming to US on other routes will depart the bus at Laurel or Hathaway Brown and board the bus that will take them to the US campuses. All buses have signage indicating their destination and staff at each campus will assist students. 

• Do the three schools honor each other's days off? 

  Yes. If one school, US, HB, or Laurel, doesn't have school, there will be transportation for the school that is in session. The drivers still come in to drive.

• Who do I call if my child is sick or won't need a ride on a particular day? 

  Contact Karrie Butorac 216-831-1984 ext. 7304

• Do the route times change during exams? 

  The route times are adjusted during exams.  For example, we adjust times according to demand.

• Can my child be dropped off at a location other than the assigned stop? 

  Yes, as long as it is on the existing route and we have written permission from the parent.

• Are the buses ever late? 

  Almost never, except in extreme inclement weather or traffic delays.

• What if we are unable to get to the afternoon bus stop for pick up?
  

  On rare occasions, we have returned to their stop after all other stops were completed.  In this circumstance, please contact the respective transportation department and/or driver.

• What are the grades of the children riding the bus? 

  We have riders of all ages and grades, from kindergarten to high school.

• If we don't live near an existing route, will a new route be created for my child? 

  All routes are established based on ridership. There must be a sufficient number of riders to create a route.

• Do we provide transportation after athletic practices and/or events? 

  No.

• Can my child bring a large art or science project on the bus? 

  Yes, as long as the project can fit on the bus seat. No items may be stored in the aisles or doorway due to safety reasons.

• Can my child have a guest rider for a day?

  This is subject to approval on an individual basis depending on seat availability.

• Are the route times adjusted for bad weather? 

  Bad weather has been factored into the routes when established.  The times remain constant during the school year.

• May we have door-to-door service? 

  Our routes are designed for group pick-ups. We have on rare occasions taken riders home due to unusual circumstances.  But generally the answer is no.

• What if we are late getting to the bus stop? 

  Most often you will have to drive your child to school in the morning. In the afternoon, on rare occasions, we have returned to their stop after all other stops were completed. In this circumstance, please contact the transportation department and/or driver.

• Can my child use the RTA Rapid to get to school?
  

  The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s Green Line Rapid stops at Shaker Boulevard and Warrensville Center Road, a short walk to and from University School's Shaker campus.
  

• Does my local school district transport my child to a private school?
  

  Six public school districts transport students who reside in their district to and from US free of charge: Beachwood, Chagrin Falls, Mayfield, Orange, Shaker (K-8 only), and Solon. If you live in these districts, contact your local district to obtain information about how your child can use public school transportation.
  
  If you live in a district that does not offer public transportation to University School, you may be able to receive a tax reimbursement for transportation from your school district.

• If we are receiving financial aid, do we pay full price for transportation? 

  No.  Contact Paula Russo in the Business Office at 216-932-0400.