Back-to-School Transportation Checklist

A new school year means a new opportunity to create a transportation plan that works for your family. Whether your student walks, bikes, rides the school bus, carpools, takes RTD, or uses another option, planning ahead reduces stress and helps minimize traffic congestion around schools, improves air quality, creates safer school zones, and supports healthier, more connected communities.

Use this list to explore your transportation options before the first day of school.

Check Infinite Campus for your bus stop times and locations

Bus stop locations and times for students who are eligible for school bus service, because they live in the bus zone for their school, are posted on Infinite Campus. 

1. Log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal
2. Select “more” from the menu
3. Click on “BVSD Bus Stop and Schedule”

Apply for a Space Available spot on a school bus

The Space Available program allows students who are not transportation-eligible to apply for a seat on a school bus, if there is available capacity. Families will need to get their children to an established bus stop (no new stops will be created). To apply, fill out the Space Available form on Infinite Campus. The application process for Space Available ridership is available after August 1, 2026. Or, feel free to follow the instructions below. 

1. Log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal
2. Select  “More” then the “Transportation Options” tab
3. Complete the Space Available request form

Ride RTD to school

It’s free for youth 19 and under: Youth 19 and under can ride the entire RTD system for free. Kids and teens simply need to show a school or government-issued ID if asked when boarding. Use the RTD MyRide app or Google to find route information. Please note that the more robust fall schedule will start 9/27.

Sign up for your school’s carpool network

All BVSD schools have a Schoolpool network through WaytoGo, a program of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). Schoolpool is a great resource for organizing a carpool or finding walk/bike/bus buddies in your neighborhood. To register in your school’s network, check your email for an invitation from Transportation@bvsd.org or email SafeRoutes@bvsd.org for the secure link.

Practice your biking or walking route

If you live within a 20-minute walk or bike ride, you might consider these options as a healthy way to start the day for you and your child. Keep in mind the safety tips for walking and cycling. For more information visit our Safe Routes to School webpage, including school specific maps.

• Practice the route before the first day.
• Create a walking group or bike bus with neighbors.
• Review safe walking and biking habits with your student.
• If your child is riding an e-bike, make sure it is safe and legal to ride on streets and paths. Take a free e-bike safety class online.

Plan a park and walk

If walking from home is not an option, consider parking a short distance away from school and walking the rest of the way. Park and walk programs help reduce congestion in front of schools while giving students a chance to get some movement before the school day begins.

Get Rewarded for walking, biking, carpooling or riding a bus to school

Join BVSD’s Trip Tracker program to earn Trip Tracker dollars to spend at local businesses or donate to your school or local nonprofits. Trip Tracker runs September through April. The first opportunity to report trips will be on 9/30, when the September survey opens. The staff and student surveys can be found on our website and will also be emailed to families. Simply fill out a monthly survey to join the program, no need to pre-register. Rewards are delivered monthly to schools for distribution to participating students and staff.

Reduce Emissions

Turn off your car while waiting: Help improve air quality around schools by turning off your vehicle while waiting for students. BVSD buses and transportation support vehicles follow district procedures that limit idling to reduce emissions. Families can help by turning off cars during pickup and drop-off whenever possible. Reducing vehicle idling helps protect student health, improve air quality, and create a more welcoming school environment.

Charge your EV for less at schools

BVSD offers electric charging stations at schools for a reduced rate during school hours to encourage electric vehicle use. Charging is available for staff and visitors. Fun fact—BVSD has 13 electric buses as part of our school bus fleet. Follow this link for more information about EV charging at schools. 

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Learn more about Safe Routes to School on our department's webpage.