Modesto City Schools is introducing a new transportation registration process for the 2026–2027 school year. Families who would like their student to ride the bus next year must complete a transportation request form. Transportation will no longer be automatically assigned.
The updated process is designed to help the district plan routes more efficiently, improve communication with families, and better align transportation services with student eligibility, school boundaries, program needs, and available capacity.
Families are strongly encouraged to submit their transportation request by June 12, 2026, to be included in initial route planning. Requests submitted after June 12 will still be accepted, but transportation service may be delayed depending on space and routing availability.
What Families Need to Know
If your student will need bus transportation during the 2026–2027 school year:
A transportation request form is required each school year
Transportation is not automatically assigned
Submitting a request does not guarantee transportation services
Students may qualify for transportation if they live at least:
1 mile from school for grades K–6
2 miles from school for grades 7–8
3 miles from school for grades 9–12
Students who already receive transportation services through an Individualised Education Program (IEP) do not need to complete the registration form. Transportation for those students will continue through existing services.
How the Process Works
Families can complete the transportation request form online through the Modesto City Schools Transportation webpage.
Before starting the form, families should have the following information ready:
Student ID number
School of attendance
Home address
Once submitted:
The Transportation Department will review the request
Eligibility will be determined based on district guidelines and available space
Families will receive one of three responses:
Approved
Pending review
Not eligible
Route details and student-specific transportation information are expected to be available in the Stopfinder application by the end of July.
Important Reminders
Families should also be aware:
Students on an interdistrict transfer (IDT) are not eligible for transportation services
Transportation approval applies only to the school year in which the request is submitted
Families must reapply each year for transportation services
Need Help?
For questions about transportation eligibility or services, families can contact the Transportation Department at (209) 574-1621.
For technical support with the online registration form, families can contact the IETS Help Desk at (209) 574-8600 or email HelpDesk@mcs4kids.com.
Families can access the transportation registration page and complete the request form at www.mcs4kids.com/bus-transportation