Frisco ISD opens paid bus option at 29 campuses

FRISCO, Texas — Frisco ISD is opening a paid bus option at 29 campuses for students who do not qualify for the district's regular transportation but can use an open seat on an existing route. Applications start Nov. 2, and approval depends on available space, the district says. The 2026–27 fee is $500 per student. Families in the free or reduced-price meal program would pay $175 per student. The fees are nonrefundable, so families should wait for district approval and review the terms before paying. Approved families will receive payment instructions and then see route information through My Ride K-12. The program uses routes and stops that already exist. Frisco ISD says it will not create new routes or change stops for fare-based riders. Students must attend a school within their assigned attendance boundary. The district asks families to allow as many as 10 business days for staff to decide an application and email a response. Regular district transportation remains free for eligible students who live at least two miles from their assigned school. The new option is for families outside that standard eligibility who want a seat when the route has room. Because capacity can change, an application is not a guarantee of transportation. The district lists four elementary schools, 14 middle or intermediate schools, and 11 high schools in the initial program. Families should check that their student's campus appears on the official list before applying. Frisco ISD first described fare-based busing as part of its 2026–27 budget planning; its Oct. 16 announcement provides the application date and final published fees. Families can use the district's announcement and linked application information for eligibility, campus availability and payment steps.