School bus drivers are not permitted to alter bus stop locations without prior approval from the Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) Department of Pupil Transportation. Drivers who stop at unauthorized locations are in violation of district policies.
School Bus Stop Request
School Bus Stop Requirements and Change Request Guidelines
Important Policy Reminder:
Request Process:
All requests for changes to bus stop locations must be directed to the HCPS Department of Pupil Transportation, not to the bus driver.
Requests for changes to existing bus stop locations will only be accepted after the fourth week of the school year. Before this period, only requests for new move-in stops or those involving extreme emergencies will be considered.
Reasons for This Policy:
Bus stop consistency is essential for:
Maintaining route efficiency.
Ensuring student safety.
Supporting substitute drivers who rely on established routes at the start of the school year.
Submitting a Request:
Step 1: Review the criteria outlined below to determine whether your request qualifies.
Step 2: Complete the Bus Stop Change Request Form, which can be obtained from your child’s school or online.
Step 3: Submit the completed form to your child’s school. The school will forward your request to the HCPS Department of Pupil Transportation.
Please allow 5-10 business days for the Transportation Department to review and respond to your request.
Criteria for Reviewing Bus Stop Change Requests
Before submitting a request, please review the following criteria carefully:
1. Visibility from the Student’s Home
Visibility from a student’s home is not a determining factor. Parents/guardians are responsible for escorting their children to/from the bus stop if there are safety concerns.
2. Cul-de-sacs
Bus stops for students living on streets ending in a cul-de-sac will be located at the closest/safest corner.
Buses will not back into or out of cul-de-sacs due to safety concerns.
Requests will be considered for students who live more than 0.3 miles (elementary) or 0.5 miles (middle/high school) from their assigned stop.
3. Private Roads
Buses will not travel on private roads or property that is not maintained by the county without completing an approval process.
4. Distance Between Stops
Bus stops must be spaced at least 200 feet apart to ensure safe operation of the 8-way warning light and stop arm systems.
Stops are typically placed at or near intersections unless no intersections are available, such as in rural areas.
5. Weather Conditions
Weather conditions are not a valid reason for changing a bus stop. Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their children are dressed appropriately and escorted to/from the bus stop if necessary.
6. Backpacks
Heavy backpacks are not a valid reason for bus stop changes.
If a student has a medical concern related to carrying a backpack, please contact the school nurse with appropriate documentation.
7. Proximity to a Student’s Home
A bus passing by a student’s home does not guarantee a stop at that location.
Stopping at every residence disrupts route efficiency and significantly increases travel times.
8. Single-Student Stops
Being the only student at a stop does not justify a change.
Stops must remain consistent for route efficiency and to accommodate students who may move into the district during the school year.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring safe, efficient, and consistent transportation for all students. For further questions, please contact the HCPS Department of Pupil Transportation.
Have questions, comments or concerns?
Let us know using this special HCPS transportation form.
(You will be assigned an issue number. Please save this for your records.)