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Our Bus Services

Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) provides safe, reliable and efficient transportation to and from school for enrolled students living beyond a one-mile walking distance from elementary schools, a one and one-half mile walking distance from middle schools and a two-mile walking distance from high schools.

General concerns regarding transportation may be reported via the online HCPSS Office of Student Transportation Contact Form. For more urgent matters, such as a late or missing bus, please call HCPSS Transportation at 410-313-6732.

Bus Locator

Students/families may find their bus pickup/drop-off times by logging in to HCPSS Connect Synergy, select More Options and then Homeroom / Transportation / POS to determine bus times. This information also can be found in the HCPSS online bus locator.

Once bus stops are established for the school year, bus routes and schedules are subject to change. Changes to bus stop locations are made on an ongoing basis as routes are designed and/or revised. The location and times listed online include the most up to date information.

Transportation Forms

Bus Transportation Registration

Parents/guardians whose children are eligible for bus transportation must register to receive bus service each year.

Registration for the 2024-2025 school year will open March 4 for kindergarten, and later in the spring for all other students.

Transportation Internal Action Report

The start of the 2023-2024 school year saw a systemic failure to adequately, efficiently and assuredly transport HCPSS students to and from school in a timely manner. Then-Superintendent Michael Martirano requested an Internal Action Report, which was conducted over an eight-week period.

School Year Readiness and Responsibilities

Families with younger children should practice walking to their assigned bus stops together and help their children memorize their bus numbers and school name. Parents should also write down their child’s stop location and school name and place it in a safe location accessible to the student. Ensure that your child knows their bus number and school name.

Find out more about:

Bus stops

Bus stops are established based on several factors, which include walking conditions, walking distance to the stop and road accessibility. Given acceptable walking conditions, bus stops are placed at least a quarter mile apart.

View frequently asked questions about stops

Safety is our Priority

There are a variety of ways to keep students and motorists safe during student pick up and drop off. Staying alert and aware of the traffic and pedestrian environment fosters a safe and enjoyable rider experience. Read our frequently asked safety questions for more safety information.

HCPSS is gradually installing bus cameras to improve rider safety. Find out how the cameras work and why they are being installed.

View additional safety tips for:

Read an enhanced transcript of this video →

Delays

The school system notifies parents of weather closures and delays using our alert service, HCPSS News. Parents should monitor weather conditions during inclement weather and anticipate that school bus schedules may be affected.

Learn how we make decisions during weather events →

Frequently asked questions about non-weather delays →

School buses covered by snow.

School Bus Contractors

Independent school bus contractors provide student transportation for the Howard County Public School System.

Learn more about how to become a school bus driver

Class Registration →

Contact us

Our main office number is 410-313-6732

Office of Student Transportation Contact Form

Bus Area Manager Contact Information

Lost something? Question about a route? All area managers are responsible for regular and special needs transportation for the schools they service.