Irvine Troy Bus – FAQ (2026–27)

 

If your question isn't answered below, please feel free to contact us*. 

*Please note that we will not respond to questions that are already covered in this list.

I. Registration & Enrollment

Q: When does registration open for returning families?
A: Registration for returning families opens March 6 and runs through March 21. Seats are secured only after payment is completed and priority is based on payment date and time.

After March 21, any remaining seats will be offered to new riders.

 

Q: How do I complete registration?
A: Parents must:

  1. Log into their account

  2. Review and sign the Transportation Agreement

  3. Complete the enrollment form and confirm payment commitment

  4. Use the payment link sent via email to submit payment to the bus company

Detailed instructions are available on the website.

 

Q: Is registration for one-way or two-way transportation?
A: Registration is for two-way transportation only. If a waitlist develops and capacity allows, the admin team may review limited evening one-way options to help accommodate waitlisted students. Families will be contacted if this becomes available.

 

Q: My student may begin driving later in the year. Should I still register?
A: Families should register only if they intend to use the service for the school year. If circumstances change later, we cannot guarantee refunds or seat transfers.

II. Bus Stops & Routes

Q: Where are the bus pickup and drop-off locations?
A: There are designated stops in Irvine. Please refer to the About Us page for exact pickup and drop-off locations.

 

Q: Can I choose my child’s stop?
A: No. Stops are assigned based on your home address and proximity to available routes. Assignments are final.

Q: When will my child’s stop be assigned?
A: Stops are assigned based on your home address & proximity two weeks before school starts in Fall (Aug).

 

Q: How many stops does the bus make each day?
A:

  • Morning: One drop-off at Troy High School

  • Afternoon: Two pickups from Troy to accommodate staggered dismissal times

 

Q: Will my stop be the same throughout the year?
A: Generally yes, but we reserve the right to make adjustments for safety, routing efficiency, or significant ridership changes.

 

Q: My student is confirmed for a return bus at 3:45 PM. Can they take a later bus if they stay after school?
A: The 3:45 PM return bus assignment is fixed and based on your student's confirmed ridership. However, students who need to stay after school for activities are allowed to take the 5:35 PM or 6:00 PM buses as needed. These later afternoon buses are flexible, shared across routes, and stop at both locations.

 

Q: Do I need to inform the bus team if my student is absent or not taking the bus on a particular day?
A: No. There is no need to notify us for occasional absences or if your student chooses not to ride the bus on certain days.

 

Q: Can students switch between 5:35 PM and 6:00 PM buses based on daily needs?
A: Yes, students may use either the 5:35 PM or 6:00 PM late return bus depending on their schedule. These buses are flexible and not restricted to a fixed assignment.

III. Tags & Ridership

Q: What is the bus tag and why is it required?
A: Each student must carry a bus tag for identification and safety. Tags are checked at boarding.

 

Q: What should I do if my child loses their bus tag?
A: If your child’s tag is lost, please go to My Account → Request Replacement Tag on the parent portal and submit the form.

A replacement tag will be issued, and a small replacement fee may apply.

 

Q: When will we receive the bus tags?
A: Bus tags will be distributed in early August. Families will be notified via email with pickup instructions.

 

Q: Can my child ride a different route or stop occasionally?
A: No. Assigned stops are fixed to ensure capacity planning and driver accountability.

IV. Fees, Refunds & Waitlist

Q: Are transportation fees refundable?
A: No. Program fees are non-refundable.

Payments are made directly to the bus company, and the volunteer group does not collect or hold funds. Families should register only if they are committed to using the transportation service for the school year.

 

Q: What if my child stops using the bus mid-year?
A: Because transportation contracts are based on total rider commitments, we cannot guarantee refunds if a student withdraws during the year.

 

Q: Will new seats become available during the school year?
A: Occasionally. If a seat opens, families on the waitlist will be contacted in order of payment timestamp.

V. Behavior, Safety & Reporting Issues

Q: How do I report a concern (e.g., student behavior, unsafe driving, or other issues)?
A: Concerns can now be submitted directly through the “Report a Concern” form available under My Account → Report a Concern on the parent portal.

When submitting a concern, please:

  • Include the date, time, and location of the incident

  • Select the appropriate category from the dropdown menu

  • Provide a brief but clear description of the issue

The admin team will review each submission and take appropriate action.

Please do not contact the bus company or driver directly. All concerns should be routed through this form so they can be addressed consistently and confidentially.

 

Q: Who handles discipline issues on the bus?
A: While this is a parent-managed program, all concerns will be reviewed and addressed in coordination with the bus company and relevant families.

 

Q: What should I do if I see unsafe parent driving or parking at the stop?
A: Please report it to the admin team via the website. Safety is a community responsibility, and we take all concerns seriously.

VI. Lost & Found – School Bus Items

Q: My child left an item on the bus. What should I do?

If your child leaves something on the bus, most items remain on the same bus until the next route. Please contact CTS directly to check if the driver found it.

CTS Contact:
📞 (714) 835-8676
🕐 Hours: 5:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday–Friday

When calling, be ready to provide:

  • Your child’s name and school

  • The date, time, and stop location

  • A description of the lost item

Q: What if we only ride in the afternoon and can’t catch the driver in the morning?

If your child misses the chance to talk to the driver in the morning, they can ask the driver about the lost item during their afternoon route. CTS can also relay messages to the driver on your behalf.