Rocklin Unified School District

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Transportation Department

The Rocklin Unified School District's (RUSD) Transportation Department is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and dependable transportation option for general education and special education students, as well as transportation for field trips. The district’s buses travel more than a quarter of a million miles annually and transport more than 1,000 students daily. Rocklin Unified recognizes buses' important role in saving lives, reducing traffic, and improving air quality. Thanks to state and local air quality district grants, the Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) received grant funding for eight electric buses and chargers.

In Rocklin Unified, the school bus environment is viewed as an extension of the classroom. It is acknowledged that students' experiences during transit directly impact their educational day. Therefore, fostering open communication and collaboration among parents, drivers, students, and teachers is paramount. The primary objective is ensuring safety by supporting and guiding each child with care, empathy, enthusiasm, and sincerity daily, serving the students, district, and community to the best of their abilities.

School bus drivers are recognized as pivotal in ensuring the safe transportation of school children. While the sturdy structure of the school bus offers considerable protection in case of accidents, the expertise and dedication of these highly trained professionals often prevent potential crashes.

The RUSD Transportation Department is located at 2225 Corporation Yard Road, Rocklin, CA 95677, and may be reached at (916) 624-9106, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m.

School Bus Safety

School Bus Safety Rules

STUDENT CONDUCT ON THE SCHOOL BUS:

The bus driver is responsible not only for the bus but also for the conduct of all pupils on board.

Pupils transported on a school bus shall be under the authority of, and directly responsible to, the bus driver. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the bus driver's authority shall be sufficient grounds for denying a pupil transportation in accordance with the governing board's district regulations. The driver of any school bus shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the pupils transported. No bus driver shall require any pupil to leave the bus before such pupil has reached their destination. Please note that video surveillance cameras are used on some district buses. Boarding the bus is consent to audio and video recording.

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO:

Bus passes identify students and appropriate bus routes and must be carried at all times. Punch passes are available for students who occasionally ride the bus and may be used on a “space available” basis. Replacement passes (lost or damaged) are $10.00. Punch passes are non-refundable if lost or damaged.
Pupils will wait at the bus stop in an orderly manner. Students will not push or crowd while entering the bus. Students are to arrive at stop five minutes before the scheduled departure time. After school, students have 5 minutes to walk to the bus after bell time.
Students needing to cross the street where the bus is stopped to load students must wait for the bus driver to exit the bus, stop traffic, and escort the student across the street in front of the bus.
Students shall inform the driver when they need to cross the street while the school bus is traveling.
Unless directed by the bus driver, students may not move out of their seats or stand at any time. Pupils must sit in their seats facing forward and keep their feet out of the aisle and off the seats. The aisle must remain clear of backpacks and other items.
Pupils may only be picked up and discharged at their designated stops. Exceptions may be made if written permission from the parent/guardian is received 24 hours in advance and can be accommodated.
Students are not permitted to put their arms or any other part of their body outside of the bus.
Pupils will not annoy or interfere with other passengers while on the bus or at loading sites. NO pupil will damage the bus or property at the bus stop.
Throwing papers, lunch bags, books, or other objects in or out of the bus is not permitted.
Pushing, shoving, hitting, poking, spitting, tripping, fighting, bullying, or threatening violates safety regulations and will not be tolerated. Violation of this rule will result in an immediate suspension from the bus, and no reimbursement for unused service will be provided.
Pupils will not make sudden movements, loud noises, or disturbances that may distract the bus driver.
Students will not yell or make physical gestures at cars or at people on the street.
The following items are prohibited from the school bus: Animals, insects, or pets of any kind (dead or alive); knives, weapons, any type of assault or propelling materials (rubber bands); pressurized or glass containers or inflated balloons; skateboards, scooters, band and athletic instruments/equipment, or objects larger than the lap of students.
Use or possession of tobacco products, alcohol, or drugs is prohibited at all times.
No eating or drinking is allowed, unless otherwise directed by the driver.
Parents/guardians are liable for any damage to the bus by their students. Pupils responsible for damage will be subject to disciplinary action.
The radio is a privilege and will be turned on at the driver's discretion, only when it is quiet enough to be heard.
Students may use cell phones with discretion at appropriate times and must have them turned off if directed by the driver. No photos may be taken with cameras or camera phones.
Students may not tamper with or handle equipment on the bus, such as emergency door fixtures, door fixtures, door openers, dashboard equipment, steering wheels, etc.
Disciplinary action will be taken if students are disrespectful to the driver, refuse to obey instructions, use profane language, or make inappropriate remarks.
Students are to observe all safety rules and proper conduct at the bus stop. Due to the height and size of the bus, there is an area around the outside of the vehicle where it is very difficult for the driver to see the students, called the “danger zone.’ Misbehaving at the bus stop can push a student into this zone. Please ensure that your children are aware of this area and are at least 12 feet away from the school bus at all times, except when loading or unloading the bus.

TIPS FOR WALKING TO AND FROM THE BUS STOP:

Go directly to the bus stop and home at the end of your bus ride.
Plan and use the safest route with the fewest streets to cross.
If possible, cross at a signaled intersection. Always use the crosswalk. Before crossing, look left, right, and left again, and over your shoulder for traffic. Continue to look as you cross the road.
Students needing to cross the street when the school bus is stopped to load students must wait for the school bus driver to exit the bus, stop traffic, and escort the student across the street in front of the bus.
Watch for turning vehicles.
Do not dart from between parked cars or shrubbery.
Never accept a ride from a stranger.
If possible, face traffic when walking on roads without sidewalks, and always use caution.
Be careful during times of sunrise and sunset, bad weather, and during darkness (wear white clothing or something reflective).
Leave home early to avoid running to your bus stop or school.
All students, including kindergarteners, are dropped off at their bus stop, even if an adult is not present to meet them. Children should know how to get home or to daycare on their own.

CONDUCT TIPS FOR SCHOOL BUS, LOADING ZONES, AND BUS STOPS:

Stand in line or a group facing traffic so you can see the bus approaching. Stand back 12 feet from where the bus will stop. Do not approach the bus until the driver opens the bus door.
When loading at a school, follow the directions of the driver and/or teacher on bus duty.
Make sure you are getting on the right bus. Many bus services operate in our district at many of the same bus stops. Verify that you are entering the correct bus.
Teach your child to ask the driver or teacher on bus duty for help if something drops near the bus. NEVER go under or stoop down in front of any bus to retrieve papers or other items. The bus driver cannot see you in the “danger zone” or under the bus.
Never, never run to a bus; always walk.
Destroying property, playing in or running across the street, or any horseplay is dangerous and prohibited.
Do not bring pets to a bus stop.
Large school projects, large band instruments, razor scooters, and skateboards cannot be transported on the bus. Please make other arrangements to get your child’s items to school.
When the bus is stopped to load or unload, the students are the direct responsibility of the bus driver, and the driver’s directions must be followed.
School buses can only stop at designated bus stops. If you miss the bus, have mom or dad take you to another bus stop or to school directly. Remember, never run after your bus once it leaves!
If waiting for the bus in a car, be on the same side of the road as the bus stop.

SAFETY TIPS TO FOLLOW WHEN CROSSING THE STREETS:

Always let your bus driver be the first person off the bus. The driver needs to activate the bus’s “red lights” that flash on the outside. This warns cars to stop for children at each bus stop and for children crossing the street.
Once your driver is off the bus, you can walk down the bus steps and wait on the sidewalk next to the bus for your driver to direct you to cross the street. Never go out into the street without the bus driver telling you to do so!
Always walk between the front of the bus and the bus driver who is in street stopping traffic, as you cross the street.
Once you are on the other side of the street, stay on that side of the street. Do not play in the street. Go directly home.

SAFE BUS OPERATIONS:

School buses and student activity buses shall not be operated when the number of passengers exceeds the bus's seating capacity, except in emergency situations requiring immediate movement of individuals to ensure safety.
School bus operations shall be limited when atmospheric conditions reduce roadway visibility to 200 feet or less during regular home-to-school transportation services. Bus drivers for school activity trips shall have the authority to discontinue bus operation whenever they determine it is unsafe to continue due to reduced visibility. (Vehicle Code 34501.6).
Students may not be released during a school bus accident until the California Highway Patrol or an official police or Patrol Officer arrives at the scene and releases them. Therefore, students may be delayed in getting home when a bus is involved in an accident or breaks down. We do not encourage parents to come to the school bus during a breakdown or accident to pick up their child, but if you do, please have your driver's license or identification so we may confirm that all students are safely handed over to an authorized person. You may call Transportation for current information on bus status. Transportation will send notification updates via email, text, or phone in the event of a bus accident or breakdown.

This information has been provided to assist parents and students in understanding the policies and procedures the Rocklin Unified School District Transportation Department has implemented to ensure the safe transportation of your children. We believe that increased parental awareness and communication with our community will help us meet this goal, and we appreciate your support. Please review this information with your student. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

School Bus Safety Tips

Arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled stop time.
Go directly to the bus stop and directly home at the end of your bus ride
Plan and use the safest route with the fewest streets to cross to get to and from your bus stop
Never run to a bus. Always walk and remain at least 12 feet away on your approach until the driver identifies you, stops, and opens the doors to the bus
Stand at least 12 feet away from your school bus when it stops to load passengers
The bus driver may not see you if you are standing within 12 feet of the bus. Stay out of the danger zone!
Wait until the bus stops and the door opens before approaching the bus.
Be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps or dangling objects do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus
The Danger zone is 12 feet all around the bus. If you can't see the driver, the driver can't see you. Stay back until the bus stops.
Students shall inform the driver when needing to cross the street where the school bus is traveling.

Transportation Safety Plan

Education Code 39831.3 requires the County Superintendent of Schools, the Superintendent of a School District, or the owner or operator of a private school that provides transportation to or from a school or school activity to develop a “transportation safety plan” for school personnel to follow to ensure the safe transport of pupils. This plan is current as required. A copy of this plan is available at each school subject to the plan, and made available upon request to an officer of the California Highway Patrol. Our Transportation Plan is as follows:

Determining if pupils require an escort across the roadway.
School Bus Drivers in the Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) shall escort all students who must cross the street on which the bus is stopped for loading and unloading when no traffic officer or official traffic signal controls traffic. RUSD school bus drivers shall, at each bus stop daily, determine who requires an escort. The driver will verbally question all bus riders who cross the street at each bus stop daily.
Procedures for all pupils, Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and grades 1-8, to follow as they board and exit appropriate school buses at each pupil’s school bus stop.
The school bus driver will monitor pupils as they exit and board at each bus stop and trip destination to ensure pupils board the appropriate school bus and exit at the appropriate bus stop.
Boarding and exiting a school bus at a school or other trip destination.
The school bus driver, along with assigned school site staff, will monitor pupils exiting the school bus before school and boarding it after school to ensure an orderly and safe process. The school bus driver will have the same responsibility on activity trips.

The RUSD Transportation Department has prepared procedures for boarding and exiting students at school bus stops. These procedures are included in the School Bus Safety Rules/Information, which is provided to all students when they sign up for bus service, and are available at all school sites.

Education Code 39831.5(a) requires that all pupils in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1 through 12, inclusive, in public or private schools who are transported on a school bus or school pupil activity bus shall receive instruction in school bus emergency procedures and passenger safety. The County Superintendent of Schools, Superintendent of the School District, or owner/operator of a private school, as applicable, shall ensure that the instruction is provided as follows:

- Upon registration, the parents or guardians of all pupils not previously transported in a school bus or school pupil activity bus and who are in Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and grades 1-6 shall be provided with written information on school bus safety. The information shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
  - A list of school bus stops near each pupil’s home; General rules of conduct at school bus loading zones; Red light crossing instruction; School bus danger zone area; Walking to and from school bus stops.
  - The RUSD Transportation Department has prepared procedures to ensure passenger safety. These procedures are in the School Bus Safety Rules/Information, which are given to all students/guardians when they sign up for bus service and are available at all school sites.
- At least once in each school year, all pupils in Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and grades 1 to 8, who receive home to school transportation shall receive safety instruction which includes, but is not limited to, proper loading and unloading procedures, including escorting by the driver, how to safely cross the street, how to use the passenger restraint systems, proper passenger conduct, bus evacuation, and location of emergency equipment. Instruction may also include the responsibilities of passengers seated next to an emergency exit. As part of the instruction, pupils shall evacuate the school bus through emergency exit doors.
  - The RUSD Transportation Department provides safety instruction and physical bus evacuation drills once per school year for pre-kindergarten through 8th-grade students. Appropriate documentation is completed, kept on file with the Transportation Department for one year from the date of instruction, and available for inspection by the California Highway Patrol.
- Instruction on the use of passenger restraint systems, when a passenger restraint system is installed, shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
  - Proper fastening and release of the passenger restraint system.
  - Acceptable placement of passenger restraint systems on pupils.
  - The times at which the passenger restraint systems should be fastened and released.
  - Acceptable placement of the passenger restraint systems when not in use.
- Prior to departure on a school activity trip, all pupils riding on a school bus or school pupil activity bus shall receive safety instruction, which includes, but is not limited to, the location of emergency exits and the location and use of emergency equipment. Instruction may also include the responsibilities of passengers seated next to an emergency exit.
  - RUSD bus riders shall, prior to the departure of all activity bus trips, receive safety instruction on the location of all emergency exits and the location of all emergency equipment. This process is documented on the Field Trip Request Form, with the bus driver providing the instruction, and is kept on file in the Transportation Department for one year from the date of the trip.
  - All school bus drivers shall inspect buses at the completion of each route to determine whether any students remain on the bus and ensure that no student is left unattended on a school bus. If transportation services are contracted, the charter company shall also comply with procedures to ensure no student is left unattended on a school bus.

This document is to be kept on file at each Rocklin Unified School Site and shown upon request to a California Highway Patrol inspector.

Bus Routes (2025-26)

Click here to review the 2025-26 Designated Bus Routes.

Note:

Bus routes, stop locations and times are subject to change.
Please have your student waiting at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to the pick-up time.
Bus route numbers are displayed on the school bus just to the left of the entrance door.
Students must carry their bus passes daily to identify themselves and to have access to services.
Current stop times can be verified by calling the Transportation Department.

Summer School Bus Pass Information

General Education Student Application

The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) offers free general education busing for the Summer School 2025 Program. Students will be transported to the following schools:
- Sunset Ranch Elementary – Elementary TK-6
- Whitney High School – Secondary Grades 7-12
Summer school busing for the elementary school program is based on school-to-school transport from the student's home school.
A current application MUST be on file each semester the student rides the bus. Applications must be received before a student receives transportation services.
Please submit one application per family.

Online Bus Pass Application:

Rocklin Unified recommends completing an Online Bus Pass Application through the MySchoolBucks platform for quicker processing.

In-Person and Mail-in Paper Applications:

Families may obtain a paper Gen Ed Bus Application at the RUSD Transportation Department (2225 Corporation Yard Road, Rocklin, CA 95677; 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.). They may also visit the office to apply for a Bus Pass in person.
Families may use the After-Hours Drop Box if they drop off a printed application after business hours.
Please submit completed applications to the Transportation Department.

ESY Special Education Bus Application

Students with an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) that includes extended school year (ESY) services are eligible for transportation. To request transportation, families must complete the Bus Application by Friday, May 8, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline may result in delayed transportation services.

Transportation will be provided in accordance with the guidelines documented in the student’s IEP.

Students will be transported to the following schools:
- Sunset Ranch Elementary – Elementary TK-6
- Whitney High School – Secondary Grades 7-12

Online Bus Pass Application:

Rocklin Unified recommends completing an Online Bus Pass Application through the MySchoolBucks platform for quicker processing.
The Application will be reviewed and approved. Online applications DO NOT need to be mailed to the Transportation Department office.

In-Person and Mail-in Paper Applications:

Paper applications are available for pick up at the RUSD Transportation Department (2225 Corporation Yard Rd, Rocklin, CA 95677; 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).
Families may use the After-Hours Drop Box if they drop off a printed application after business hours.
Please submit completed applications to the Transportation Department.

School Year Bus Pass Information

For General Education Students

The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) offers limited general education busing for the following schools:
- Rocklin High School, Whitney High Schooll
- Granite Oaks Middle School, Spring View Middle School
- Antelope Creek Elementary, Parker Whitney Elementary, Rocklin Elementary, Sierra Elementary, Twin Oaks Elementary, Valley View Elementary.
Please review the designated Bus Routes (tab above) for Stop Locations closest to your residence.
No services are offered for Intra or Inter-District transfers.
Services are available only to the neighborhood stops in which the student lives.
A current application MUST be on file each year the student rides the bus, and payment or Eligibility Letter must be received before the student receives transportation services.
Please submit one application per family.
The student’s photo from last school year will be used on the bus pass. If families would like to update their child's photo instead of using last year’s photo, please submit a current student photo to BusPass@rocklinusd.org. If your child is new to Rocklin Unified, and they do not have a photo on file, please email one.
The bus driver will hand out bus passes to the students during the first few weeks of school. Students will be allowed to ride without a bus pass until all applications have been processed and bus passes distributed. The bus driver will notify students when it becomes mandatory to show their bus pass.

Online Bus Pass Applications (with Credit/Debit Payment):

Rocklin Unified recommends completing a Bus Pass Application through the MySchoolBucks platform for quicker processing. The balance will show zero until the Transportation Department reviews and confirms the correct bus stop.
The Application will be reviewed and approved. Online applications DO NOT need to be mailed to the Transportation Department office.
Once approved, an invoice will be sent via MySchoolBucks. The fee will be based on the type of bus service requested.
Students who qualify for the Universal Education Benefits Program may also be eligible for Free or Reduced Bus Transportation. Once the family has applied using the Universal Benefits Application through the RUSD Department of Nutrition Services, an eligibility letter will be emailed to you. Eligibility letters will need to be emailed to the Transportation Department at buspass@rocklinusd.com to be processed with the bus pass application. Click here to access the Universal Benefits Application.
Payments are accepted through MySchoolBucks (credit or debit payments ONLY for online applications).
Please submit completed applications to the Transportation Department by Friday, August 8, 2025. Late applications may result in a delay of bus service.

In-Person and Mail-in Paper Applications:

Families may print out a Bus Pass Application and mail it to the RUSD Transportation Department (2225 Corporation Yard Road, Rocklin, CA 95677; 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.). They may also visit the office to apply for a Bus Pass in-person.
Families may use the After-Hours Drop Box if they drop off a printed application after business hours. Starting July 1, applications will be processed in the order received.
Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted, as all printed Bus Pass Applications require an original signature.
Payments accepted: check, money order, cashier’s check, or EXACT cash. Rocklin Unified does not accept credit, debit, or electronic payments for applications mailed in or dropped off in person.
Students who qualify for the Universal Education Benefits Program may also be eligible for Free or Reduced Bus Transportation. Once the household has applied using the Universal Benefits Application through the RUSD Department of Nutrition Services, an eligibility letter will be emailed to you. Eligibility letters will need to be emailed to the Transportation Department at buspass@rocklinusd.com to be processed with the bus pass application. Click here to access the Universal Benefits Application.
Please submit completed applications to the Transportation Department by Friday, August 8, 2025. Late applications may result in a delay of bus service.

For Special Education Students

If a student requires specialized transportation due to his/her disability, it should be documented on the student's IEP, and the IEP team will complete a Transportation Request and Information Form. The teacher or Program Specialist will notify the Transportation Department if transportation is a required-related service as decided upon by the IEP team. Transportation will be provided in accordance with the guidelines documented in the student’s IEP.

Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, paper applications will no longer be mailed to families whose students are in the Special Education program.

Online Special Education Application:

Rocklin Unified recommends completing a Special Education Online Bus Pass Application through the MySchoolBucks platform for quicker processing. The balance will show zero.The Application will be reviewed and approved. Online applications DO NOT need to be mailed to the Transportation Department office.
Once approved, the router will contact the parents with any routing questions and/or route information.
Please submit completed applications to the Transportation Department by Friday, August 8, 2025. Late applications may result in a delay of bus service.

In-Person and Mail-in Special Education Paper Application:

Families may print out a Special Education Bus Pass Application and mail it to the RUSD Transportation Department (2225 Corporation Yard Rd, Rocklin, CA 95677; 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.). They may also visit the office to apply for a Bus Pass in-person.
Families may use the After-Hours Drop Box to drop off a printed application after business hours.
Please submit completed applications to the Transportation Department by Friday, August 8, 2025. Late Applications may result in a delay of bus service.

Join the RUSD Transportation Department!

Job Opportunities

The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) seeks enthusiastic individuals to join our team as school bus drivers. Click here to explore the job description and start your application process today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for school bus drivers?
The current Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) Bus Driver salary ranges from $24.73 - $31.58 per hour.

What is a typical day like for a school bus driver?
Drivers arrive early in the morning to do a safety check on their bus before beginning their route. The typical work hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and then breaks until school dismissal. The morning route(s) can last from three to four hours. After delivering the students to school, drivers are finished until their afternoon route begins. At approximately 1:30 p.m., drivers return to transport the students home. A typical work day for bus drivers ends by 5:00 p.m.

Does Rocklin Unified offer a benefits package?
Yes! In fact, they're some of the best you’ll find. Rocklin Unified offers several options for its employees, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

How many hours could I expect to work?
Current bus driving positions range from five to six hours per day. Typically, a driver will begin as a substitute, filling in for drivers out sick or off work for other reasons. As permanent positions become available, substitutes are usually first in line to fill the vacancies.

What are the job requirements to become a school bus driver?
No experience is required to become a school bus driver! Rocklin Unified does provide free training for new drivers.

Must have a good driving record.
Must pass Fingerprint Background Check.
Must pass and adhere to drug and alcohol testing.
Obtain a Commercial Driver License.
Obtain first aid training and certification.
Obtain medical clearance from the DMV.
Completing 40 hours of training (20 hours classroom; and 20 hours behind the wheel).
Attendance of all classes is mandated.
Attend the Orientation session (orientation will review the certification process).
Must enjoy driving and interacting with students!

Please call the RUSD Transportation Department at (916) 624-9106 for information iand to learn when the next New Driver Orientation will be!