Families registering for school bus service in Rocky View next year will pay $70 more, as the division rolls out 2025-26 transportation details and deadlines.
In a May 13 notice on its website, the division stated: “While the RVS Board of Trustees has successfully maintained transportation fees over the last four years, mounting costs required the Board to increase fees for 2025/26.”
The notice cited “driver shortages and training costs, inflation, climbing insurance premiums and maintenance” as contributing factors.
According to RVS, “school bus transportation costs have risen 40 per cent over the past two years.”
The regular fee for resident students will be $395. Kindergarten students who are transported once per day will be charged $197.50.
Students requiring access to a second stop will be charged an additional $395 for the seat they occupy on the additional route.
“Parents/guardians are encouraged to register by June 30 to receive a $40 discount or by Aug. 1 to ensure bus service for the first day of school,” the division stated.
According to the notice, the early registration discount is “extended to each of the first two Kindergarten - Grade 12 students in a family, with additional students receiving $20 off if registering early.” A minimum payment of 50 per cent is due at registration.
Bus service may be cancelled up until Oct. 31 to receive a full refund for all fees paid.
RVS transports nearly 13,500 students on 324 routes, including 2,100 Calgary Catholic School District students who attend school in Airdrie, Chestermere and Cochrane. “Collectively, RVS buses travel 14,941 kilometres each day.”
Eligible families may apply to have transportation fees waived by completing a Transportation Fee Waiver form.
“Families are urged to register as soon as possible for transportation to ensure a smooth start to the fall,” the notice said.
“To guarantee service for the first day of school, registration must be received before Aug. 1. Students registered after this deadline may experience delays of two to three weeks before they can ride the bus.”
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