field trip school bus

Corporate Trips

Your Bus Your Group Your Way

(855)-287-2427

Free Cost Calculator

Rent a Charter Bus for Your School Outing

The affordable and safe solution for any school trip.

When you're taking students, faculty and staff on a trip, there's an added level of concern and responsibility—you want to get everyone there and back with the least amount of hassle, and without unnecessary concerns about safety or accountability. Whether it's an athletic team competition, a prom or graduation after-party, a club or class excursion, or an arts or cultural offering, a charter bus lets you travel with comfort, convenience, safety and affordability.

Why a Charter Bus Makes Sense for Your School Trip

There's no better option for a school outing than a charter bus rental from US Coachways:

• It's the safest mode of group travel— With a charter bus, you'll have a highly trained professional at the wheel at all times. You won't have to worry about the driving skills of a number of parents or chaperones, and you won't have to worry about anyone getting lost. In addition, because of the limited access to the bus, you won't have unwanted guests—you and your students will be safe and secure.
• You'll have unparalleled flexibility— There's no other mode of transportation that lets you decide when you'll leave, where you'll go, how long you'll stay and when you'll come back. If a game goes into overtime, you're covered—last-minute and real-time changes to your itinerary can often be accommodated. You can even book an entire trip with little advance notice.
• You can count on a charter bus— You won't have to worry about getting there late and missing something. Delays and cancellations are virtually nonexistent with charter buses. Your driver has the resources to identify potential traffic problems and find alternate routes to get you there on time. Replacement vehicles are often quickly available, thanks to our extensive network of charter bus service providers nationwide.
• You can relax— With most group trips, someone has to watch the GPS or keep an eye on the clock. Someone has to battle traffic, look for a parking space or get behind the wheel when the game's over. On a charter bus, your driver will handle all those details. You won't have to worry about missed connections or lost luggage. You'll be on the same coach for the entire trip and your gear will travel with you. You won't have to stand in a TSA security line, take off your shoes or empty your pockets. You can leave your phone on all the time—it won't interfere with navigational systems.
• You can ride in comfort— If you travel on a mini-bus or full-sized charter bus, you'll have plush and spacious seats with plenty of leg room. You'll also enjoy wide aisles and the ability to move freely about the cabin.
• You can use the bus for more than just travel— Use your travel time to prepare students, talk strategy, give last minute instructions or break the ice.
• You can take advantage of the HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes— That helps you minimize time stuck in traffic.
• Charter buses are a cost-effective way to travel— When you ride together, you share many of the costs of transportation. That routinely makes charter bus travel one of the most affordable options.
• You'll help the environment— When you travel together on a charter bus, you reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads. That lowers emissions and helps the planet.

At US Coachways, we have provided effective group travel solutions for more than three decades. To get a free estimate of the cost of a charter bus rental, use our online Cost Calculator . For more information about our services, all 1-855-287-2427 and speak to an experienced customer service agent.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bus Rentals for School Trips

• What is the best vehicle for our group?
• That depends on a number of factors. At US Coachways, we'll look at the details of your trip—how many students and staff will be traveling, how long you'll be on the road, what you'll be bringing with you, and whether your participants have any special needs. Then we'll work with our nationwide network of vendors to find the ideal coach for your outing. If you're traveling with a small-to-mid-sized group, the mini-bus is a great option, with seating for 24 to 35. For larger groups, the full-sized bus accommodates up to 57 passengers. School buses are also available for rent, if you're looking for a more streamlined and affordable option. We'll also make certain there's ample room for anything you need to bring, from band instruments to sports equipment. Multiple bus rentals are always an option.
• Will US Coachways provide SPAB or 19A-certified drivers?
• Yes. US Coachways has relationships with vendors who carry School Pupil Activities Bus (SPAB) and Article 19-A certifications and will always ensure that the driver has all appropriate state driving qualifications.
• Are seat belts required for school buses or travel?
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires three point seat belts on all school buses weighing less than 10,000 pounds. Seat belt use for larger buses is regulated on a state-by-state basis. US Coachways will always follow all relevant laws governing the use of seat belts.
• Who handles payment? Will US Coachways accept a purchase order?
• Work directly with your booking agent to confirm who will take your payment and how it will be made. As a general rule, US Coachways takes purchase orders. Cash, checks and credit cards are also accepted.
• How much will it cost to rent a charter bus for our school trip?
• The total cost of a charter bus rental varies, based on a number of criteria:
• How many people will be traveling—This dictates the size of your bus. As a general rule, the larger the bus, the greater the cost.
• The amenities you'll need—Most charter buses come with certain standard features, including Wifi, DVD players, stereo and PA systems and charging stations for your devices. The school buses, however, typically don't have these options and are less expensive. For additional amenities, such as an on-board bathroom, you'll typically pay a bit more.
• When and where you are traveling—The cost of a charter bus is typically more in the winter months in Florida than the summer months (there's greater demand). The opposite generally holds true in Northern climates. You will also typically pay more for a charter bus on Friday, Saturday and Sunday than other days of the week.
• How long you will be gone—For day trips, you'll either pay by the mile or by the hour (expect a minimum charge—usually five hours). For day trips, the most common way to bill is by the day. If you stay anywhere overnight, you can expect to pay the cost of lodging for your driver.
• Whether there are any tolls, parking fees, permit charges or other expenses—You will be responsible for all such costs.
• To get a better idea of the potential cost, use our online Cost Calculator .

Get the US Coachways Advantage

When you book a charter bus rental with US Coachways, you'll have the benefits of:

• A dedicated service team, committed to meeting your specific needs—You'll have a single point of contact throughout your trip.
• The US Coachways online Trip Management Portal—This cutting edge tool lets you view information about all prior trips on a single website, including invoices, contracts and other data.
• Access to more than 2,000 charter buses across the country—We have the long-term vendor relationships to help you find the ideal vehicle for your group.
• Our experience and flexibility—We have been industry leaders in the charter bus rental business for more than 30 years. Because of our strong relationships with a large network of charter bus service providers, we offer unmatched flexibility to our clients. Last-minute and real-time changes to your itinerary can often be accommodated, and entire trips can be booked with relatively little notice.
• Full dispatch services 24/7
• Our purchasing power—We book an average of more than $55 million in charter bus rentals every year. We have local market exposure and strong vendor loyalty that helps us get excellent pricing for our clients.
• A GSA (General Services Administration) approved company—We are authorized to provide charter bus rental services to federal government agencies and entities, from FEMA and the FBI to the U.S. Marines and the Navy.

Book a Charter Bus for Your School Travel Today!

At US Coachways, we have decades of experience providing effective group travel solutions to school administrators and officials across the nation. To get a free quote on the cost of a charter bus rental for any school outing, go to our user-friendly online Cost Calculator . For answers to any questions you may have, or to learn more about the full scope of our services, call 1-855-287-2427 to speak with an experienced group travel consultant.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE QUOTE 1-855-287-2427

© 2024 uscoachways.com | All images and text site wide are copyright of uscoachways.com

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website & for analytical purposes. Our Privacy Policy provides more information about the cookies we use & the data collected.

School and College Charter Bus Rentals

Charter bus benefits for schools.

Private charter bus rentals from Coach USA are the safe, reliable way to travel with a school group. College teams, theatre groups, school bands and other student groups can enjoy the many benefits of charter bus transportation. Take your class to a museum or give your team a leg up with a comfortable bus ride to the game. Our buses are a great way to travel with a group to a school faculty meeting, too. Or, plan a group college tour and prepare your students for the future.

We offer flexible pickup and drop-off options to make bus travel more convenient. Another great benefit of bus transportation is that everyone can easily stay together and stay coordinated. Using public transportation or ride sharing for a group of students is challenging. Coach USA charter buses make it easy to arrive on time without worrying about arranging meeting places or getting lost.

School field trips are better with the comfortable, spacey seating on Coach USA buses . Elementary, high school and college students can enjoy the modern amenities they’re used to—climate control, wifi, power outlets—while traveling on our buses . Guests can watch entertainment on TV screens or simply enjoy the view.

Soft, reclining seats are perfect for relaxing, studying or napping on the bus . With lots of room for elbows and legs, your group will be comfortable on short and long trips. Many Coach USA buses have accessibility features for wheelchairs and other needs upon request. Clean bathrooms are also available for your group’s convenience.

Take the stress out of planning group transportation and let the professionals at Coach USA handle the details.

Safe School Charter Bus Travel

Coach USA is your friendly support team when booking charter bus rentals for schools and colleges. We’re on call to answer your questions, address your concerns and help with trip planning whenever you need. Just tell us your preferences and we’ll handle the details. We’ll tailor charter transportation to your requests to give your group of students the best experience possible.

Our top priorities are safety and convenience. We work hard to make sure that every part of traveling to and from your destination runs smoothly. Coach USA bus drivers are CDL-licensed and prepared to handle varying road conditions, keeping you on schedule and safe on the road. Drivers are also available for easy communication if you need to make changes to your school group’s itinerary or other trip details.

24/7 phone support is also available from our team of representatives. They’re happy to help you from the time you book until your group returns home. Staying coordinated, on schedule and stress-free is easy with a charter bus rental from Coach USA.

Call Today to Book Your School Bus Rental

School field trips, college athletic events, theatre groups, bands and many other student groups can experience better bus travel with private charter rentals from Coach USA. Our fleet of buses includes modern amenities and large, comfortable seats. We’re ready for short or long trips with groups of any size. Safety, convenience and professionalism make our buses the best choice for school transportation. Call today to start planning a fun, educational and exciting bus trip for your school or college group.

Not what you’re looking for? Try our other Event Charter Services

• Wedding Charter Services
• Convention Charter Services
• Corporate Event Charter Service
• Family Reunion Charter Service
• Senior Club Charter Service
• Church Group Charter Service
• Sports Team Service

To serve you best, you will be redirected to another website.

• After School Programs
• Bus Rental Locations In Quebec
• Camp Transportation
• Charter Center
• College & University Group Transportation
• Corporate & Employee Shuttles
• Corporate Employee Shuttle Form
• Corporate Event Bus Rentals
• Emergency Shuttle
• Events and Festivals
• First Student Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• First Student California Privacy Notice
• FIRSTGROUP AMERICA ONLINE PRIVACY POLICY
• FirstGroup America Online Terms of Use
• Get a Quote (fr)
• Get a Quote
• How to Rent a School Bus
• Youth and Education
• Lease a School Bus
• Let’s Plan
• Religious Organizations
• Salesforce Test – Get a Quote
• Sample Landing
• Wedding & Special Events
• Businesses & Organizations

• Large Events & Festivals
• Weddings & Special Events
• (989) 882-1150

Think Yellow for Your Next Event.

From field trips and party buses to corporate events and conventions to national organizations and non-profits, choosing yellow is the fun and flexible choice for all types of groups and destinations. School bus rental prices range from $85 to $125* per hour.

So who’s ready to roll?

*Location prices vary. Minimum trip time and other restrictions may apply.

Reliable. Affordable. Memorable.

Chartering a school bus sets your event apart from all the rest. Be daring and different. We’ll help you start. The process is fast and easy!

1. plan your event

We personalize our service options for your specific event or activity. First select the category that best describes your event type.

2. get a quote

When you’re ready to get specific, call or click. Our support team will help you work out all the details. We're here for you!

3. create the memories!

Our professional drivers provide a fun-and memorable experience – so all that's left is to sit back and enjoy the ride.

The transportation choice

First Student Charter Bus Rental provides memorable and affordable transportation while helping you stand out from the crowd.  A school bus charter is a fun, safe and reliable alternative to the usual transportation for your party, outing or group event.

Let’s plan something great!

• First Group plc
• ©2024 First Student, Inc.
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• CA Privacy Rights
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Quebec Rentals

Charter Bus Rentals for School Field Trips

Elevate your class trips, campus tours, and extracurricular outings with a modern charter bus for school trips. Unlike traditional school buses, most charter buses feature cushioned seating, TV monitors, and restrooms. Kids will enjoy watching their favorite movies along the way, and adult chaperones will be thankful for onboard WiFi (available upon request).

Thanks to our massive network of clean, luxury buses , we can quickly pair your group with a minibus or full-sized charter bus  for field trips. Call us today at 1-844-755-0510 to speak with one of our knowledgeable reservation specialists and get a free quote!

Planning a Successful Educational Trip

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned educator or a first-year teacher--planning a field trip can be stressful, and one forgotten detail can unravel your entire plan. Because of our streamlined booking process, reserving a charter bus will be the easiest item to cross off your to-do list. 

Timeline for Booking Your School Bus Trip

8 Months Until Your Trip

If you can, start gathering key details about your trip at least 8 months in advance. These include the date of your trip, your anticipated headcount, and pickup and drop-off addresses. For shuttle services to and from graduations or sporting events, we can help you map out the best routes for efficient service.

6 Months Until Your Trip

Time to book your bus rental! Our reservation specialists are standing by 24/7 at 1-844-755-0510 to provide you with a personalized quote. Before you call, consider which amenities will be most beneficial to your group: TV monitors, DVD players, WiFi, power outlets, restrooms, air conditioning, ADA accessibility , or any other features that you might need. We’ll do everything in our power to make sure you have a fun, comfortable trip with your students!

1 Month Until Your Trip

Confirm the details of your upcoming trip, and pay your rental costs in full to lock in your reservation. 

If you need to plan your trip at the last minute , no worries! We can still find you a bus that will comfortably accommodate your students. 

Safe Bus Travel for Your Students, Teachers, and Parents

As soon as you board your buses, you’ll know you’re in good hands. We only work with professional, experienced drivers who provide safe point-to-point transportation services .

Call us any time of the day at 1-844-755-0510 to start planning your trip. We’re looking forward to helping you find the perfect bus for your educational excursion!

• GOGO Charters
• Group Transportation Services
• School Event Bus Rental

Field Trip & School Event Bus Rentals

Find the right transportation for all educational events with GOGO Charters.

Field Trip & School Bus Rentals

GOGO Charters has an extensive transportation network with access to the latest charter bus and minibus models for your upcoming educational events. Our impact extends across all 50 states to make travel easier for your staff, students and respective institutions. 

Why GOGO Charters?

At GOGO Charters we don’t discriminate. We cater to all groups without sacrificing on space or comfort. The bus rentals we offer can accommodate groups as large as 56 with a full-sized charter bus rental or as small as 18 with a minibus rental , providing each party with a memorable yet intimate travel experience. In the past, we’ve assisted with the following trips:

• Field trips for K-12 classes
• Off-site faculty meetings
• Greek events
• College tours
• University-led research gatherings
• Marches, protests and non-profit events
• Sports travel for school or college teams

These trips all had the following things in common: our unquestionable dedication to customer service, a spacious bus rental with customized amenities and a trained driver who completed the trip with the utmost professionalism. Our 24/7 transportation service makes it possible for groups to book trips at whatever time they please, allowing them to adhere to their own schedule with the assistance of our friendly reservation specialists. In addition, all bus rentals in our network are up-to-date on all modern safety standards. Simply contact us at 1-855-826-6770 to learn more about the availability of certain bus rentals in your city or to calculate your trip quote for free!

Improved Field Trip Experiences

Avoid traveling in a traditional school bus for your next field trip, and focus instead on renting a charter bus for a climate-controlled and comfortable journey. A charter bus rental will allow you to add amenities such as cushy reclining seats for quick naps, free WiFi for on-the-go assignments, flat screen TVs and AV entertainment for educational videos, PA systems for announcements or headcounts, restrooms for quick access, and more. The journey will be less excruciating and more exciting with your students, staff, and mentors onboard.

Easy Off-site Faculty Meetings

GOGO Charters is happy to provide off-campus bus transportation in the event your staff wants to get away from the usual meeting rooms. By renting a charter bus, you’ll ensure that everyone sticks together and arrives on time without being held up by traffic or other unforeseen circumstances. It’s also important to note that mingling on a charter bus is a great way to break the ice before the meeting starts!

Streamline Transportation to Greek Events

If you’re part of a fraternity or sorority that arranges parties or off-campus events from time to time, it’s essential to book a bus rental to ensure that all members travel together and arrive at the event promptly before the general public. You can even utilize the luggage bins on your bus rental for party supplies, food, and drinks so that multiple trips aren’t required to transport these goods. On the occasion that there’s alcohol served at these events, instead of looking for a designated driver, you can rely on your charter bus driver to get your members safely back to campus. 

Tour Colleges On Your Own Time

Our far-reaching transportation network allows us to provide bus rentals to any college campus in the United States, including cities like New York City , Los Angeles , Atlanta , or Washington DC . Instead of relying on unpredictable public transportation, your group will be able to visit any metropolitan college campus or small college town in the United States with GOGO Charters. Your driver will make sure to drop you off right where the tour begins so you can focus on enjoying your time on campus. 

Travel Off-campus for Research Gatherings

Conducting an important research study with your classmates? Instead of traveling in individual cars to the archaeological site, forest, lake, or laboratory, opt for a bus rental instead to keep everyone in one place, under one roof. If your study involves traveling with extensive equipment, books, and papers, you can utilize the luggage cabins onboard for safe keeping. The free WiFi on the bus will also prove to be helpful when you need access to the internet for last-minute research needs or to take group selfies to commemorate the occasion!

Organize Transportation for Marches, Protests and Non-profit Events

GOGO Charters is proud to provide transportation to historical marches and events that rally for important causes. If your school or university is participating in events such as Pride, Womens March, or Black Lives Matter (to name a few), we can pair you with the appropriate charter bus rental for the occasion. Since traffic and overcrowding is usually an issue during these events, traveling in a bus rental is the best way to get to your destination on time without hunting for multiple parking spots for your group. In addition, you can store all your march merchandise (poster boards, flags, banners etc.) on your bus rental or use the compact restroom to freshen up your appearance after a day of passionate activism.

Sports Travel for Schools and Colleges

Have an upcoming sporting event at your school or university? Streamline travel to all away games, intramural sports or physically intensive competitions with a bus rental from GOGO Charters. All athletes will be able to kick back and relax in the climate-controlled bus cabins or can listen to game-day music or anthems over the loudspeakers in the bus rental. The large luggage bins will also provide enough space to store sports equipment, duffle bags and coolers for the game. Moreover, traveling in a bus will ensure a memorable bonding experience for your team without sacrificing on space and comfort.

Travel Anywhere with GOGO Charters

Since we provide 24/7 private bus transportation to over 300 cities nationwide , there are endless opportunities for you to arrange educational trips with GOGO Charters. Whether your plans take you to career fairs, spelling bees, chess club tournaments or even proms, we have the right bus rental for any occasion . In addition to customizing your onboard amenities, your reservation specialist can even help you book an ADA-accessible bus so that everyone on board is able to enjoy the off-campus event without any limitations. Simply contact us at 1-855-826-6770 to get started today !

Getting Started

If you’re looking to rent a bus but you’re not sure where to begin , we’ve put together a few guides to help start your journey.

• Start by reading our complete guide to charter bus rentals to find out why charter buses are a great option for group travel.
• If you're feeling overwhelmed about the variety of bus types, check out our guide to choosing the best bus type for your group to see which bus you might want to rent.
• Wondering about prices? Read our pricing guide to see what you can expect before you call and receive your free, personalized quote.

Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to help guide you through the rental process. Give us a call today at 1-855-826-6770 to secure transportation for your next trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost?

Price may vary depending on location, how long you’ll need the bus, and other factors. For more information, check out our pricing guide or call us at 1-855-826-6770 for a free, personalized quote.

Do you offer discounts for nonprofits?

Yes— we offer a 5% discount for nonprofit organizations.

Can I book a traditional school bus through GOGO Charters?

No. We only offer charter buses, minibuses, and sometimes small vans. Browse our bus rental options or call our reservation specialists any time at 1-855-826-6770 for more information.

Can I wrap the bus with my school’s logo or mascot?

Yes. You’ll just need to reserve one extra day at the beginning of your rental and one extra day at the end to account for the time it will take to wrap and unwrap the bus.

How many buses can I reserve at one time?

You can reserve as many as buses as you need. We’ll put together a fleet that’s perfect for you. 

Do I need to provide food, drinks, or lodging for my driver?

Providing food and drink is not required. You will only need to provide lodging for the driver(s) if your reservation spans multiple days.

How much should I tip my driver?

We recommend tipping your driver(s) 10-20% of the total cost, in cash, if possible.

Are food and drinks allowed on the bus?

Yes. As long as you let your representative know ahead of time, food, drinks, and alcoholic beverages are all allowed on the bus. There is a $250 cleaning fee if a mess is made, however. 

Do you offer smaller, less expensive buses?

Yes. We have a list of buses ranging in size from 18-passenger to 56-passenger. We’ll find one that’s perfect for your group.

Do you charge per hour? Is there a minimum rental time?

Rates are charged per hour, with a 5-hour minimum for every trip.

Do I need to find parking for the bus?

No. Our operations team will secure parking and staging areas for the bus prior to your trip.

How often will my driver need to stop for a break?

Break schedules will be negotiated between you and your driver(s) prior to the trip; however, drivers can only legally drive for 10 consecutive hours before they must take an 8-hour required break.

Can I see the bus before my rental is finalized?

Yes. We can send pictures of your bus prior to your date upon request.

Overall Rating : 10 out of 10 from 416 unique reviews

More Questions?

Call us 24/7 at

We're happy to help.

GOGO Charters is a charter bus rental service that operates in over 300 cities across the United States. With access to a variety of buses combined with superior customer service, we’ve got everything you need to schedule your next big trip. We can accommodate groups of all shapes and sizes, making us perfect for weddings , company events , sports teams , church trips , school groups, family vacations , and more. Have any transportation questions you need answered? Call us 24/7 at 1-855-826-6770 . We’re happy to help. 

Top Vehicles

Coach Buses

• School Buses
• Sprinter Vans

Featured Vehicle

Comfort, luxury and storage await your large group's transportation needs.

Top Charter Trips

• Corporate Group Events
• Private Group Trips
• School and Field Trips
• Sports Team Event Travel

Featured Charter Trips

A Team Night Out Safely

Check out our corporate events to see how we can make your teams event special.

A Journey to the Capital

Learn how our school field trips make sure everyone has an exciting and safe trip.

Charter Bus Locations by City

• Los Angeles
• New York City
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• About Buster

Latest Blog Posts

What bus should I book? When? And more nerdy Buster factoids

Holiday party transportation checklist

• Customer Reviews

School and field trips event transportation

Transporting students or entire schools to museums should be effortless. Whether it’s local school buses or long-distance coaches, our extensive network of top bus operators ensures safety and fits your budget.

Check prices for your trip

Need an extra hand with your complex travel plans?

Trusted by Colleges & Schools Across The US

Why schools choose buster for their field trips.

Safe and reliable student transportation

We prioritize safety by working with top operators that maintain a modern, well-equipped fleet of charter buses that comply with all DOT regulations and school transportation guidelines to ensure the highest level of safety and security.  We also ensure our bus operators employ only experienced, background-checked, and properly trained drivers who understand the unique needs of student transportation.

Easily Book Your Field Trip

We offer a streamlined reservation system so you can reserve your bus easily. Just enter your itinerary and click check prices and you’ll see realtime pricing for vehicles in your area. Go ahead and reserve the vehicle right then and there.

Terrific Student Experience and Amenities

Our coach buses are equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, comfortable seating, and on-board restrooms to ensure a pleasant travel experience. We also offer school buses that provide for larger passenger quantities economically.  Whatever your needs, Buster bus operators have the fleet of vehicles that support school and field trips in all 50 states and in Canada.

How Buster Works

Start planning your school trip with ease

Whether you are transporting small or large groups, Buster provides the best solution, always.

Enter Your Trip Details

Select Your Vehicle

Confirmation of Travel

Relax and Let Us Take the Wheel.

Highly customized or complicated travel needs?

No worries at all. We are here to help you build the perfect transportation plan for your event, no matter how simple or complex. Just reach out and our customer success team will build you a custom quote specifically tailored to your needs.

Buster’s favorite school event experiences

Field trips to museums or historical sites

Charter buses provide a safe, efficient, and comfortable way to transport groups of students to educational destinations like museums or historical sites. By using a charter bus, schools can keep students together, reduce the need for multiple vehicles and chaperones, and ensure that everyone arrives at the destination at the same time. This allows for a more organized and structured learning experience, maximizing the educational value of the field trip.

College campus tours

Charter buses offer a convenient and stress-free way for prospective students and their families to visit multiple college campuses in a single day or trip.  In addition, group transportation can make these trips more accessible and attractive to a wider range of students, particularly those who may not have the means to travel independently. Charter buses also allow administration staff to provide guided tours and information sessions while in transit, making the most of the travel time between campuses.

School competitions or festivals

Charter buses are an ideal transportation solution for academic teams traveling to tournaments or inter-college tournaments. They provide a comfortable, spacious, and secure environment for participants to rest, strategize, and bond as a team while ensuring all arrive on time, safely.

Buster also provides efficient transportation for groups of students attending school festivals.  We offer a diverse fleet of vehicles to accommodate different group sizes and provide experienced drivers who prioritize safety and punctuality.

Athletic team transportation

Charter buses provide a safe and efficient way to transport athletic teams and their coaching staff plus some fans to away games and tournaments. By consolidating transportation into a single vehicle or fleet, schools can reduce the logistical challenges and liability risks associated with multiple cars or vans driven by staff or volunteers.

Buster’s wide ranging bus operator fleet provide amenities tailored to athletes’ needs, such as reclining seats, ample legroom, and storage space for equipment. They prioritize punctuality to ensure teams arrive at competitions on time and provide experienced drivers who are familiar with navigating to various sports venues. The company also offers flexible booking options to accommodate last-minute schedule changes and provides a streamlined communication process for coaches and team managers.

Instant bus pricing. Easy booking. Superior service.

Your first and last stop for charter buses.

• Transportation Services

School Field Trip Charter Bus Rentals

School field trip bus rentals with shofur.

Are you an educator planning a field trip around the National Mall in Washington, D.C .? Or are you taking a historic tour of Philadelphia ? Even if you’re hitting the busy streets of NYC to take an educational trip around its many museums, Shofur can help organize your transportation. Our nationwide network of charter buses and minibuses includes vehicles to perfectly suit your field trip travels, wherever they take you. Call 1-800-436-8719 to rent a charter bus for your next field trip.

Why Book with Shofur for a Field Trip?

Reserving a charter bus with Shofur will give students an upgraded ride from a typical school bus. They’ll not only be guaranteed a safe trip but a comfortable one too! A Shofur charter bus rental can come equipped with all that you’ll need to enjoy an educational experience. From TVs with DVD players to watch educational videos on to convenient, onboard WiFi to get a kickstart on digital assignments, a modern charter bus will have all your entertainment bases covered.

Safe and Reliable School Transportation

When you rent with Shofur, you won’t need to worry about sacrificing students’ safety on the roads. We have a transportation network of professionals who are dedicated to keeping your students safe during every step of the ride. Each bus is equipped with modern safety features, and every driver is required to have a valid CDL license, clean drug test, and thoroughly-cleared background check. Every passenger will be in reliable, professional hands throughout the trip.

Top Amenities for Fun Travel

School buses are an efficient way to get around town for a field trip—but they’re not all that fun. Older models can get warm and muggy, offering little comfort for students and chaperones. A charter bus rental will have the comfort and convenience covered! Everyone can cool off in a climate-controlled cabin while coming back from  a hot day at the San Diego Zoo, catch up on work with power outlets and WiFi while stuck in Atlanta traffic, or relax in reclining seats while shuttling between Miami and Orlando for Grad Bash.

Easy Booking for Field Trips of All Sizes

Whether you’re taking one class or scout troop on a field day or you’re planning a trip for your entire senior graduating class, Shofur can accommodate your event. Our network includes spacious charter buses that can fit up to 56 passengers for large events and compact minibuses for smaller groups. Even if you need several buses for your big school trip, your Shofur rental expert can help you build the perfect fleet for your students.

Simplified University Trips and College Tours

Our services aren’t just limited to primary and secondary schools! We have transportation solutions for prospective and current college students too. Renting a minibus is the easiest way for clubs and organizations to travel around campus or even to off-campus occasions like Greek life formals, volunteer events, and football games. If you’re organizing a trip for your high school seniors or community college students to tour local campuses, book a charter bus with Shofur to simplify any parking hassles (they’re inevitable on big campuses).

Book Your Shofur Charter Bus Today

Educators and chaperones can focus on lesson plans and other field trip organization while Shofur handles the transportation. Our team is here around the clock at 1-800-436-8719 to help you rent a charter bus for your educational outing.

• 100 W 91st St Chicago, IL 60620

AM Bus Company is family owned and operated since 1993.

AM Bus Company

“welcome to am bus company”.

AM Bus Company is family owned and operated since 1993. Our mission is to provide excellent transportation in a timely and safe manner. 

AM Bus Company offers the following services:

• Daily school bus transportation
• Charter, field trip, and athletic bus transportation
• ADA Services
• 24-hour shuttle transportation

All of our employees are fully-licensed and insured, Criminal Background check and drug-tested. We have a well-maintained fleet of over one hundred school buses to service any size group. 

Our over 2,500 clients include:

• City Of Chicago
• Chicago Public Schools 
• Chicago Park District

Charter Buses for Field Trips

Field trip bus rentals.

Charter Bus & Minibus Rentals

Ally Bus wants to assist your educational institution with transportation for events, both large and small. We’ve developed a strong reputation for ourselves among a number of universities in the Northeast, thanks to our strong attention to detail and passion for servicing our community. If you’re planning your next school event and are looking for a safe, reliable method of transport for your students, call Ally Bus at 1-866-625-7682 to get the service you deserve.

On-Campus Events, Simplified

Getting students to and from events around campus is easier than ever before. Ally Bus books on-campus shuttles for a wide range of activities, including pep rallies, athletic competitions, formal events, festivals, and more. We understand that your students need fast, reliable transportation to get to events that will provide a more enriching college experience, and we embrace that challenge wholeheartedly. Allow your students to save some energy by booking a private coach for on-campus events.

Plan Field Trips at a Moment’s Notice

Activities and events that take place away from campus are just as accessible as ones on campus. Ally Bus organizes private coach rides to locations throughout the Northeast and beyond, so you can rest assured that no matter how far away from campus your next excursion may be, you’re in good hands. Grade school staff members love booking with us because we drastically simplify the field trip planning process for them. When you book with us, you know that your children will be on the safest, fastest route to whatever your destination is.

Safe, Scalable Solutions

Ally Bus is one of the most highly-sought-after student transportation services because of the quality and quantity of modern coaches we have access to. Every bus in our network passes a myriad of comprehensive safety inspections, and all of the drivers we book must pass a rigorous background check before they hit the road, so parents love knowing that their children are in our hands. Having partnered with the leading bus providers in the nation, we’re also given exclusive access to clean, efficient charter buses and minibuses tailored directly to your needs, so your students are riding in safety and style, every time.

Enjoy Every Single  Feature

Ally Bus is committed to setting an example in the motorcoach industry. We want every passenger to enjoy the highest quality riding experience possible, so we make sure that only the most modern, cutting-edge coaches are available for booking. Institutions that book with us love the exclusive features they can request on student charter buses, such as restrooms, televisions, WiFi, reclining seats, and storage bins. Your students deserve to have the most comfortable ride possible, so why not give them the best there is?

Ride with  Class

• Tired of riding in old, dated models of bus for your on and off-campus excursions?
• Ready to book a bus with a trusted provider who puts your children's safety first? Need a solution that can accommodate a large class? Having serviced educational institutions in  New York City ,  Washington, D.C. ,  Newark ,  Hartford , and dozens of other cities, Ally Bus is ready to help.
• Call Ally Bus today at  1-866-625-7682  to see how we can assist you.

Call Us To Book Your Charter Bus Today

The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

Transportation Resources for Schools

Public, non-public and preschool personnel and administration can use this page to access applications, forms and Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) policy and procedure information.

For Public, Charter and Non-Public Schools

When to contact your transportation liaison.

Your transportation liaison is your source of support for busing, MetroCard, student eligibility, field trips, and other transportation topics.

Transportation professional development  is also available for school staff responsible for transportation.

Contact your Transportation Liaison for:

• Application access and training
• Reporting late arrival of a bus to school
• Reporting an overloaded bus
• Help with field trips
• Student eligibility checks
• Help with checking MetroCard inventory
• Help with entering bus stop or MetroCard information
• Issues with the driver or attendant
• Help with session times
• Help with bus safety drills

Contact Information for Transportation Liaisons (TLs)

Find more Borough/Citywide office contacts.

When to Contact a Bus Company

Contact a bus company  for:

• A bus has not arrived at school before session start or end time
• Your school needs to know the exact location of the bus
• To get an estimated pick-up or drop-off time for a specific student

You can view the routes and bus vendors assigned to your school in the School Route Search .

When to Contact the Office of Pupil Transportation

Call OPT's customer service center at 718-392-8855 for any of the following:

• A bus has not arrived at school before the school day has started/ended
• On-going delays for bus arrival or pickup
• A student is riding too long
• A bus equipment malfunction
• A bus capacity/overcrowding issue
• A student is placed on a wrong bus
• To request a change to a route
• To report a student was injured or hurt themself on the bus 
• To report an accident 
• To report an issue with a driver, attendant, bus company, parent, and/or student

Follow the  DOE’s protocol for when a child goes missing .

For emergencies, always contact 911.

NYCSA Account Creation Support

If you are a staff member in a non-public school in New York City, there may be students in your school who receive busing services from New York City Public Schools (NYCPS). Caregivers of those students can track their bus rides in real time through the NYC School Bus Caregiver app . 

Parents/Guardians use their New York City Public Schools Account (NYCSA) credentials to sign in and use the NYC School Bus Caregiver app . Correct information about a student's parent/guardian must appear in the Non-Public Student Information System (NPSIS) so that the parent/guardian is eligible to create a NYCSA account. In some cases, information about a student’s parent/guardian may be either missing or incorrect in NPSIS and must be corrected in order for them to create a NYCSA account and access the NYC School Bus Caregiver app . 

Provide Access to NYCSA and NYC School Bus Caregiver App

Here are the steps you can take to ensure that parents/guardians have access to NYCSA and for parents who have children with transportation services provided by NYCPS, the NYC School Bus Caregiver App. 

Nonpublic Schools that use the NPSIS application should follow the instructions outlined below to ensure that eligible parents/guardians can create their NYCSA profile for the NYC School Bus Caregiver App. 

Confirm if the parent/guardian has access to NYCSA for the child enrolled in your school. If they do not: 

• Confirm the identity of the adult and that they are the parent/guardian of the student.
• Confirm that the parent/guardian information is correct in NPSIS. 
• If corrections or additions are needed, the system will confirm the parent/guardian is eligible for a NYCSA account and assign a NYCSA Account Creation Code (ACC). The ACC will appear in the NPSIS Parent/Guardian Download report within 24 to 48 hours of any changes to parent/guardian information.
• If the NYCSA ACC appears in the report, share the ACC with the eligible parent/guardian. The ACC is called a "Security Code '' in the NPSIS Parent/Guardian Report and is unique to the parent/guardian and student.
• If the ACC code is missing from the NPSIS Parent/Guardian Download report, please contact  [email protected]  with your school’s NPSIS School Code and the list of students with the error.

More information about how to change or add parent/guardian information in NPSIS is detailed in the following section. Please encrypt any student information shared with parents/guardians by email. Follow the  guidance outlined in Appendix C  any time an email body or attachment includes student PII. 

Parents/guardians set up their NYCSA account. 

• Transportation registration information.
• On a student’s IEP.
• Nonpublic schools that require support and use of the NPSIS app for student enrollment may contact  [email protected] . 
• Schools requiring NYCSA support and not using NPSIS may email [email protected]. 

Parents/guardians will access the NYC School Bus Caregiver App using the same credentials (username and password) they use to log in to NYCSA.

How to Add or Change Parent/Guardian Information in NYCSA

Sign in to the NPSIS application:

Go to https://apps.schools.nyc/NPSIS

Sign in with your DOE external user account email address (@doeexternal.nyc) and password. The site will direct you to the application homepage if you have access.  

If you have forgotten your password, use the Password and Profile Management link to complete a self-reset. If you don’t know your username, contact [email protected] .

Assign a Parent/Guardian 

• Download and review the "School Roster" to determine whether the parent/guardian information and ACC exist. 
• If the information does not exist, use “Add Student” to add the student to your school’s roster. 
• Go to "School Roster"
• Select student, student"s record will be hyperlinked
• Click the student record to go to "Add/Update Student"
• There you can update student information, as well as set transportation pre information and make additions to parent/guardian information
• Within 48 hours a security code/ACC will be created for eligible adults, for more information contact [email protected]  

 Update an Existing Parent/Guardian 

• Download the "School Roster" to determine whether parent/guardian information and ACC exists. 
• If the parent/guardian exists, follow the link to check and update the information. 
• Select “Student” and the student’s record will be hyperlinked
• Click the student record to go to “Add/Update Student”
• There you can update student information, set transportation information and make additions to parent/guardian information
• Within 48 hours, a security code/ACC will be created for eligible adults; for more information, contact [email protected]

For questions on the DOE Caregiver application, please get in touch with your school's Transportation Liaison . For questions about using NPSIS or the Parent/Guardian Roster screen, please get in touch with [email protected].

School Session Times (for Public Schools)

• Each spring, the principal determines the school’s schedule for the coming year (in alignment with contractual obligations and NYSED minimum instructional time requirements). Changes to the schedule that deviate from the traditional contractual requirements require a vote via the School-Based Option (SBO) process. See the  Session Time Memo  for more information.
• The school’s schedule is submitted to OPT via the Session Time Application. Prior to routing, it is reviewed and approved by the DOE and UFT. 
• Students are bused according to each school’s established session times. Busing is not provided for afterschool and extracurricular programs.
• Once a school’s overarching session times and contractual work day schedules are established in the Session Time Application, students must be programmed for all instructional time in the STARS suite of applications. For more information, see the Elementary, Middle, or High School  Academic Policy Guides .
• Schools may choose to extend their school day beyond the required hours with the help of community-based organizations/non-profits and special grant opportunities; however, schools must deliver their mandated instruction and services, including for English language learners and the IEP-recommended program and related services for students with disabilities, during the regular, mandated school day.
• Any requests to change a session time made during the school year will be reviewed in the order that they are received; however requests that affect bus routing may not be able to be accommodated.

Updates to the Specialized Transportation Record Entry (STRE) Screen in ATS (for Public Schools)

Review important updates to the “ medical alert code ” field in the “Specialized Transportation Record Entry (STRE)” screen in ATS. A full list of medical alert codes and descriptions can be found on the  ATS Wiki .

• A new “multi-select” feature allows users to select up to five different medical alert codes in STRE. For example, if a student’s 504 Plan or their IEP recommends limited travel time, climate control/air conditioning, and a paraprofessional—users should select A for “limited travel time” in the first field; T for “climate control/air conditioning” in the second field; and C for “needs two seats” in the third field, in the STRE screen in ATS. 
• If a student has more than five transportation accommodation recommendations, please indicate M for “miscellaneous,” and email  [email protected] , to request that the student’s record be updated to reflect the full list of transportation accommodations. 
• Additionally, there are three new medical alert codes on the menu: harness; route with fewer students; and diabetes. 

Reference the  ATS Wiki  for additional information on STRE.

For Preschool Busing

When to contact your program’s office.

The following Early Childhood program offices provide preschool programs with transportation information and support:

• Pre-Kindergarten programs should contact their  Committee on Preschool Special Education
• Early Intervention programs should contact their  Early Intervention regional office

Contact your program’s Committee on Preschool Special Education office or Early Intervention regional office when:

• Your site needs to know if an adult has been approved to accompany a child
• A child is not showing in the Pre-K/EI Rider System
• The bus is overloaded
• A copy of route ridership is needed
• A child's bus route information; including bus company name or phone number, pick-up/drop off location, sequence, start date, etc.
• To get the specific location of a bus

You can view the routes and bus vendors assigned to your school in the  School Route Search .

• Bus is arriving late to school
• Bus has not arrived for pick-up after the school day has started
• Child left at school
• Issue with a driver, attendant, bus company, parent and/or student 
• A child is riding beyond the recommended guidelines
• A child was injured on the bus
• A child was placed on the wrong bus
• Report an accident or student hurt themself

Requesting Services

School responsibilities when receiving transportation services from NYC-DOE Office of Pupil Transportation

Below you will find a summary of the duties that must be discharged by school personnel to ensure timely, safe, and efficient transportation. As the principal of the school, we are asking that you review the material that follows and certify that you understand and are prepared to undertake these responsibilities.

I am the principal of a school and, in requesting OPT-provided bus service:

• I understand that our bus routes may be shared with students who attend other schools and that these students may be of different ages or genders.
• I understand that Stop to School (GE) buses do not have attendants on board in addition to the bus driver.
• I understand that the management of discipline on the bus is the school’s responsibility.
• I understand that NYS law limits OPT-provided GE bus service to not more than 180 days and that these dates must be within the limits of the DOE calendar.
• I understand that buses may arrive up to 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after our session time and that we must have school personnel available to meet buses and assist students on and off the bus at these times.
• I understand that OPT will create our initial set of bus stops and routes, but that school personnel will have that responsibility thereafter.
• I understand that school personnel will be expected to contact our OPT Transportation Liaison or OPT’s Customer Service Unit by telephone to report transportation-related issues.
• I understand that session times submitted are subject to DOE approval.
• And I also understand that, in lieu of OPT-provided service, by submitting additional information, I may request reimbursement for bus service managed directly by my school.

Regarding students receiving MetroCards, I also understand that:

• School personnel are responsible for receiving and distributing MetroCards according to each pupil’s grade and distance eligibility and for recording the serial number of each MetroCard distributed to each student in a prescribed manner.
• School personnel are responsible for reporting all lost, damaged or stolen MetroCards in a prescribed manner so that they can be properly deactivated.

And, regarding all students, I understand that:

• School personnel are responsible for maintaining accurate transportation data for each student in a prescribed manner on a continuing basis.

And, lastly, given the implication of these requirements:

• I will identify the school personnel who will be responsible for these tasks and will make them available to take part in transportation training workshops.

If you wish to continue with this request and accept the conditions outlined above, please complete and submit a Preliminary Request for Transportation Services . To receive transportation services for the start of school in September, completed applications must be received by June 1.

Schools with Academic Class Past 4PM

Schools with academic classes running past 4PM should read the  After 4PM Information and Application Procedures . That document outlines the ways that a school can request to use a bus from a DOE vendor, or receive reimbursement for their own vendor.

Either way, a completed  Transportation Request Form  must be sent to OPT before July 1 for the upcoming school year.

If this service is approved by OPT, families of the students using after 4PM busing must submit the Parent Authorization Letter  to your school prior to riding the bus.

Transportation Reimbursement for Students Eligible for Curb-to-School Transportation

The following groups of students may be eligible to receive reimbursement for transportation paid for by their family, foster care agency, or shelter staff in instances that DOE busing was not available.

Note: Transportation to related services as part of a student’s IEP is not reimbursed by OPT. Please contact your CSE for assistance. 

• Students in temporary housing or foster care, grades K-6 or grades 7-8 with an IEP and busing could not be provided
• Students in foster care, grades K-6 and grades 7-8 without an IEP recommending transportation and busing could not be provided
• Curb-to-school students whose bus company experienced a substantial delay that resulted in a no-show, or otherwise refused to provide service to the child assigned to the route

Note that submission of a  Transportation Reimbursement Form  does not guarantee reimbursement. The DOE reviews each submission and makes the final determination on reimbursement.

Travel reimbursement could be denied for the following reasons:

• Your child does not fall into one of the categories above. All stop-to-school reimbursement requests for students not in temporary housing or foster care will automatically be denied.
• Your child was routed and the DOE cannot verify that the bus in question experienced a substantial delay based on GPS data
• If the form is not completely filled out and/or does not include receipts 

Eligible families can fill out the  Transportation Reimbursement Form .

Please note: Tips and student no show will not be reimbursed.

Training and Support

All schools should log into  OPT Info Stop  which contains training videos and documents. For additional support and training, schools can contact their transportation liaison or transportation support liaison.

Managing Student MetroCards

Schools give MetroCards to eligible students at the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer terms each school year. Schools must record the serial number of each MetroCard provided to each student, and deactivate and quickly replace lost, stolen, or non-working MetroCards. Failure to do this may result in a delay in receiving additional MetroCards. 

You may not give a MetroCard to any student using yellow bus transportation, and the MetroCard must match a student’s level of eligibility.

• Full-fare cards are valid on MTA subways and buses (but not on express buses)
• Full-fare cards are available for eligible students 

Review the Transportation Overview page on the DOE website for additional information or contact your borough transportation liaison.

Requesting Additional MetroCards

For schools that utilize ATS, requests for additional MetroCards should be emailed to [email protected] . 

For schools that utilize NPSIS, requests for additional MetroCards should be emailed to [email protected] .

• OPT will only honor requests if the Inventory Report in ATS or NPSIS reflects the need for additional MetroCards. Contact your transportation liaison with questions.
• The email must include your OPT Code, the types of cards, and the number of cards that are being requested.

Types of MetroCards Available for Students

Four-trip metrocards.

Each student MetroCard provides three trips each school day, with one transfer per trip. Three trip cards allow a student to travel from home to school, from school to an after school activity, and then from that activity back home.

If a student tells you their trip to school requires more than three trips you will need to make the request in ATS or NPSIS then email [email protected]  or [email protected] with the student's name, I.D. number, and a copy of the MTA Trip Planner that displays the student's transportation options to school.

Special Program MetroCards

Special Program Student MetroCards are two-trip cards that are valid until 11PM for students whose school-approved program ends after yellow bus service is available, or if their program is during the school day or on a Saturday (ex. Saturday academies, after school programs, internships, or work study programs).

You can request Special Program MetroCards by filling out the Special Program Application for Student MetroCards .

Schools must track each student who receives a card on a distribution log.

Summer School MetroCards

The New York City Department of Education (DOE) provides MetroCards for student use during the summer for public and nonpublic schools, as well as for DOE-approved programs such as internships that are not necessarily based in a school building. The procedures that must be followed to request these MetroCards differ depending on the school or program type and are explained below. 

Summer MetroCard requests for Public and Charter Schools.

Public and charter schools must submit their request through ATS and ensure students are registered with a class and program code in SSPR beginning April 18th. All students in public and charter schools must be registered in SSPR by May 13th to ensure delivery of MetroCards by the first day of summer school. 

Reminder - Only students who received busing or MetroCards in the spring are eligible to receive a MetroCard for summer programs. 

Please contact your school’s Transportation Liaison with questions or for assistance with the required ATS procedures. 

Summer MetroCard requests for Nonpublic Schools.

Nonpublic schools are required to submit their summer school MetroCard request utilizing the Nonpublic Summer School and Fall Reconciliation Application not later than May 13th. 

Reminder – The total quantity of cards requested should include students attending your program for the summer who are not on your 10-month roster. 

Please contact your school’s Transportation Liaison with questions or for assistance with the required reconciliation procedure.

Summer MetroCard requests for DOE-Approved Programs not based in a school building.

DOE approved programs such as internships or CBO-provided enrichment activities providing in-person services can request MetroCards for all eligible students attending the program. The MetroCard Request Form for DOE-approved Summer Programs must be submitted by June 10 in order to ensure MetroCards for the first day of your summer program. 

Please contact the Transportation Liaison for the DOE school district where your program is located with questions or for assistance with the required application.

Certificate for Free Transportation

In addition to providing student MetroCards, OPT provides schools with Certificates of Free Transportation which are valid on the NYC Transit System (subways) and Staten Island Railway only and will not be accepted on buses. These can be used for field trips by groups of up to 40 students when accompanied by one adult for each group of 10 students. The Certificates distributed by OPT are available for use Monday through Friday only, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Please use this form to request  Certificates for Free Transportation .

The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development also provides transportation through a Complimentary Subway Transportation Program to schools and non-profit organizations that provide services to youth ages 5 through 18. The Certificates provided by DYCD are valid Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 11:30 PM as well as on weekends from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM. For additional information on DYCD services, call 800-246-4646 or email DYCD at [email protected].

Purchased MetroCards

Principals may purchase two-trip MetroCards for a variety of uses, including transportation for parent/teacher conferences and school events, by placing a purchase order through FAMIS. You must indicate on the purchase order if you would like to pick up the cards at OPT or have them delivered by courier.

You can also exchange expired two-trip MetroCards for new ones if you submit them to OPT within 18 months of the expiration date. Any cards expired for more than 18 months cannot be exchanged and OPT recommends turning in expired cards immediately after expiration, to account for processing time.

You can either mail the expired MetroCards with a copy of the original purchase order or the original receipt to OPT at the address below, or you can arrange for an appointment to exchange them in person by emailing [email protected] .

Attention: MetroCards 44-36 Vernon Boulevard, 6th Floor Long Island City, NY 11101

Once OPT receives the expired cards, new ones will be sent via courier, or can be picked up at the OPT offices.

Schools that purchase large numbers of MetroCards should consider making smaller purchases to limit the number of exchanges necessary.

STH & SFC Parent/Guardian MetroCards

Parents/guardians of students in temporary housing or foster care 3K- grade 12 who do not receive busing or are in the process of being routed can receive a MetroCard from their child's school to accompany their child to and from school.

Please submit an  Application for Parent / STH MetroCards - 2023-2024 School Year  to request these MetroCards. 

• School OPT code and DBN
• Number of STH parent/guardian MetroCards

Note: Schools must ensure that the housing status in ATS-BIO is updated to reflect housing status.

• Metrocard Brochure -- English English
• Metrocard Brochure -- Spanish Spanish
• Metrocard Brochure -- Chinese Chinese
• Metrocard Brochure -- Bangla Bengali
• Metrocard Brochure -- Russian Russian
• Metrocard Brochure -- Urdu Urdu
• Metrocard Brochure -- Arabic Arabic
• Metrocard Brochure -- Haitian Haitian Creole
• Metrocard Brochure -- Korean Korean
• Metrocard Brochure -- French French

Field Trips

Field trip rules and procedures can be found in Chancellor's Regulation A-670 .

Beginning on September 18, schools will be able to book yellow school busing for field trips during the school day. The first date to schedule a field trip is September 26.

Schools can still charter coach buses for field trips. More information is available below. 

Students in grades K-12 (school age) can get yellow bus service for field trips. Schools requesting field trips for school age students mandated for car seats, must provide the car seat for the trip. 

Schools requesting field trips for Pre-K students under the age of 5 or weighing 50 pounds or less at the time of the trip require car seats and must charter the trip through a Pre-K vendor . 

To request, cancel, edit, or view transportation services, school personnel must log in to the Online Field Trip System . Follow these steps when booking school bus transportation: 

• Booking is subject to availability; OPT will attempt to accommodate as many trips as possible 
• Trips must be within the five boroughs of New York City 
• Trips must leave the school after 9:30 AM and return to the school by 1:30 PM 
• Requests must be submitted at least one week before the trip date 
• Trips cannot service multiple destinations 
• Trips cannot be scheduled on dates when the NYC public schools are closed (generally all federal holidays) or on dates when the public schools have half-day sessions 

Important Dates 

• September 26 is the first day when field trips may commence
• The last day when field trips may commence is June 14 

Dates Upon When Field Trips Cannot Take Place

• September 25
• November 7, 23-24
• December 25-30
• January 1, 15
• February 19-23
• April 1, 10, 22-30
• June 17, 19

Charter a Contracted Coach Bus

When field trips do not fall within the yellow busing field trip parameters outlined above, or when yellow school buses are not available for trips that do fall within those parameters, schools may procure coach busing service.

To procure coach busing services, use the  FAMIS portal (requires log in)  to issue a purchase order (PO) to a  contracted  coach bus company for round-trip transportation of students and adults on school trips lasting no more than six days and five nights, within the five boroughs, intrastate, and out-of-state.

Eligible coach bus vendors are based on borough and trip details. To identify the appropriate vendor, reference ­­­­ Coach Bus Rates and issue a purchase order through the  FAMIS portal (requires log in)  using object code 669 and the corresponding item number and contract number.

The available coach bus companies are:

Academy Express, LLC 111 Paterson Avenue Hoboken, NJ 07030 (201) 420-7000, Ext. 2236 [email protected] Contact: Francis Tedesco

Accord Bus, LLC 575 Scholes Street Brooklyn, NY 11237 (212) 973-8282 [email protected] Contact: Sofia Fayer

J and R Tours LTD 41 Torre Place Yonkers, NY 10703 (914) 668-5050 [email protected] Contact: Ralph J. DiDonato

S and J Tour and Bus, Inc. 185 Canal Street, #402 New York, NY 10013 (718) 921-4246 [email protected] Contact: Mona Jiang

Suburban Trails 750 Somerset Street New Brunswick, NY 08901 (732) 249-1100, Ext. 231 [email protected] Contact: Zarko Zecevic

Charter a Non-Contracted Coach Bus

If none of the contracted charter bus vendors are available on the date of your scheduled trip, then schools may go through the 3 competitive bids or MWBE process in FAMIS. As a reminder, all non-contracted thresholds must be followed as outlined in the OTPS Standard Operating Procedure Manual (SOPM) .

View the Non-Contracted Charter Bus Guidance Document .

Prior to the Trip

The school: .

• Verify the company has a satisfactory rating posted on the US Department of Transportation - Safety Measurement System .
• Obtain the documentation listed below and upload to FAMIS for the Division of School Leadership Finance Team review and approval.

The School requests from the Vendor:

• A copy of the driver’s 19A certification certified by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicle.
• A copy of NYSDMV Abstract of Driving Record indicating the driver’s 19A status is Active-School-Qualified.
• For commercial general liability insurance, a combined single limit coverage of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence. General aggregate and Products-COMP/OP AGG. 
• For automobile liability insurance, a combined single limit per occurrence of not less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000)
• A copy of the Worker's Compensation Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance in the amounts prescribed by law.

Upon receipt of the above documentation uploaded to FAMIS, the DSL Finance Team will review the purchase order.

On the Day of the Trip

The school official (Principal or trip Designee that is also a Public Schools Employee at the school) in charge should verify that:

• The driver of the vehicle has the appropriate license and a company-issued identification card.
• The vehicle has a valid registration and Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker.
• The capacity of the bus, as indicated by the numbers located by the entry door, is sufficient to transport the number of people who are taking the trip.

After the Day of the Trip

• School certifies the purchase order (PO) in FAMIS for services rendered before or on June 30, 2023.
• School submits supporting documentation to accounts payable to initiate payment to the vendor.

Schools may contact their Transportation Liaisons for assistance.

Certificates for Free Transportation

Groups of students accompanied by teachers may use free group subway transportation certificates while traveling to and from educational field trip sites during designated days and times.

Certificates are valid for round-trip travel on subways only, not buses. The certificates may be used:

• Monday through Friday (they are not valid on Saturday, Sunday or holidays).
• Between the hours of 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM only
• Year round (including summer)
• At any subway station of the NYC Transit System and Staten Island Rapid Transit
• For a maximum of 40 students and four adults
• For a minimum of five students and one adult

Please use this form to request  Certificates for Free Transportation .

Schools can choose to combine yellow bus service and certificates on a trip. For example, a school may use yellow bus service to travel to their destination if they are leaving after 9:30 AM and use certificates of transportation for return travel by subway if they will return later than 1:30 PM.

Free subway passes for use at other times of the day and on weekends and holidays are available from the  NYC Department of Youth & Community Development .

Volunteer Attendants

On general education school buses .

The following procedures are required for the Office of Pupil Transportation to authorize an individual to serve as a volunteer attendant on general education school buses contracted by the New York City Department of Education.

The New York State Education Department regulations require that any adult who rides a school bus be:

• Fingerprinted (the fingerprint requirement may be waived for current DOE employees who have already been fingerprinted at either 44-36 Vernon Boulevard or 65 Court Street)
• Have a recent  medical examination form  on file
• Have an annual tuberculosis (TB) test on file
• Take and pass the same training classes as our permanent school bus attendants
• Take and pass an annual follow-up training

Any parent/guardian wishing to be a volunteer attendant will not be permitted to ride on the same route to which his/her child is assigned.

Schools are responsible for the identification and initial screening of candidates. If the candidate is not already well known to the school, this process must involve interviews and reference checks. All candidates must be at least 21 years of age. No candidate may serve on a vehicle prior to having obtained fingerprint clearance. Schools must submit  this Volunteer Monitor form  to Marilyn Mateo at  [email protected] .

If a school requests an attendant for a bus route that services multiple schools, the principal of the requesting school must receive written consent from the principal of each of the other schools serviced by that route. The requesting school must receive a letter from each other school 1) on school letterhead 2) signed by the principal or assistant principal 3) include schools’ ATS Code, OPT code route number 4) and stating the principal is aware of and consents to the assignment of an adult attendant to supervise its students while they are being transported. This letter must be submitted to the Office of Pupil Transportation at the time of the request.

Once an individual has been cleared to serve as an attendant, the Office of Pupil Transportation will provide written notification to the school and the vendor providing service on that route. The notification will include the stops at which the attendant will be boarding and disembarking the bus. Only the attendant whose name is provided to the vendor is authorized to ride on that route. No other adults will be permitted to board the bus except in case of emergency.

Short-Term Exceptions

The Office of Pupil Transportation makes the following exceptions for a volunteer attendant to ride the school bus on a short-term basis:

• Emergencies during the current school year for no more than ten school days 
• Summer school shuttles

In order to request a short-term volunteer attendant, please submit a  Volunteer Monitor form  to Marilyn Mateo at  [email protected]  with the following information:

• The person’s name with fingerprint information on file. If fingerprint information isn’t provided, they cannot ride the bus under any circumstances.
• The vendor/bus company name
• The route they will be riding and whether morning and afternoon or both
• The stop where they will board (applies to current school year exceptions only)
• The stop where they will get off (applies to current school year exceptions only)

Safety Drills

All public, non-public, and charter schools, including preschool sites, are required to conduct at least three School Bus Safety Drills  per school year. Bus safety drill dates for the 2023-24 school year are:

• Between September 7 and September 15 (during the first seven days of school); entered into the OSYD portal by October 6
• Between November 1 and December 22; entered into the OSYD portal by December 22
• Between March 1 and April 26; entered into the OSYD portal by April 26

Once the drills are completed: 

• Schools should visit the Office of School and Youth Development for more information
• All public, non-public and charter schools must complete the  Certification of Performance  and retain the form at their school

How to Conduct a School Bus Safety Drill

School staff should adhere to the following guidelines when conducting school bus safety drills. The instructions provided during each drill can prepare all school children to act quickly and safely in the event of an emergency even if they are not regular school bus riders. These directions are adapted for NYC from the  School Bus Safety Drills Check Sheets  published by the Pupil Transportation Safety Institute for the NYSED. Keep in mind; every child is required to participate in the drills, whether or not they receive school bus transportation regularly.

School leaders may satisfy school bus safety drill requirements in one of two ways:

• Schools must work directly with a bus company to obtain a vehicle for the school bus safety drill and a driver to partner in the instruction of the drill
• Each class should be allotted thirty minutes to practice on the bus, and drills should be co-led by a bus driver and school staff member
• Introduce the drill and explain why you are conducting the drill
• Stress the importance of following driver directions in an emergency
• Review the DOE’s  safety tips  for riding on a bus with students 
• In a classroom setting

Steps to Follow During a School Bus Safety Drill

• Explain the concept of emergency: “a dangerous situation requiring immediate action”
• Threat of explosion
• Bus in an unsafe position
• Emphasize specific hazards encountered by student riders during snowy, icy, and other inclement weather conditions; slippery road conditions; and poor visibility
• Have students point out the location of all emergency equipment (extinguisher, first aid kit, reflectors, etc.)
• Have students point out and open all exits and passenger door
• Explain the danger of playing with emergency exits
• Demonstrate how to stop, secure, and shut off the bus
• Explain why students should know the bus number and route
• Demonstrate how to use the bus radio
• Show students how to evacuate the bus safely. Practice at least one type of evacuation per each required drill.
• Shut off and secure the bus, and activate red flashers during the evacuation practice
• Insist on an orderly practice evacuation. Student helpers should get off first and wait on both sides of the front passenger door to keep students moving and prevent students from falling down the stairs.
• Students should leave book-bags and all other personal items on the bus.
• Point out a safe area for students to gather outside the bus
• Ask students to “buddy up.” Younger students should hold hands as they move away from the bus.
• To prevent injuries, insist on an orderly, “seat-by-seat” practice evacuation.
• Student helpers should serve as outside “spotters” during the evacuation practice, outside the rear door. Helpers should get off first.
• Require all students to “sit and slide” from the emergency door; never let students jump out the door or engage in horseplay during the practice
• Students should leave book bags and all other personal items on the bus
• Students in the front half of the bus go out the front door, and students in the back half go out the rear door (make sure students know where they are to evacuate before the evacuation starts)
• Insist on an orderly, seat-by-seat, practice evacuation
• Student helpers should go out the rear door before other students, and should “spot” for other students exiting the rear door
• Remind students to leave book bags and all other personal items on the bus
• After the evacuation, practice is over, gather the students in front of the bus and demonstrate safe crossing.
• Let students point out Danger Zones
• Review your operation’s “Safe to Cross” and “Danger - Go Back!” signals
• Remind students never to try retrieving something they’ve dropped near the bus, and never to run after a missed bus
• Explain the dangers of drawstrings or other dangling clothing
• If the students paid attention and did a good job, remember to thank them! Thank any teachers or school officials who assisted or observed. Distribute the “Letter to Parents” for students to take home.

Reporting Completion of a School Bus Drill

• Public Schools should report completed school bus safety drills on the  OSYD Portal (Access Required)
• Charter and Non-Public Schools should fill out a  Certificate of School Bus Safety Drill Performance  and keep it on file

For classroom instruction, “practice” can be done through role modeling, demonstration or video, depending on availability. A school bus company or in some cases an OPT representative may be able to assist in classroom instruction if scheduled in advance.

End-of-Year Procedures

Determining eligibility changes for ats users.

Specific groups of students will change eligibility as they advance in grade. Schools should communicate these changes in advance whenever possible.

• Change: No longer eligible for yellow bus (students may request a MetroCard in the fall)
• Students with distance code C or D
• Students with an active IEP that does not mandate transportation
• There is no change in eligibility for the following students currently in grade 6

Schools can use data on the TLST screen to identify the specific students in order to inform families.

• Sort TLST data by grade
• Scan each page and note students who will be affected by this change
• Use  Transportation Eligibility Change (Letter to Parent or Guardian)  or your school’s existing memo to inform families
• Transportation Eligibility Change -- English English
• Transportation Eligibility Change -- Spanish Spanish
• Transportation Eligibility Change -- Chinese Chinese
• Transportation Eligibility Change -- Bangla Bengali
• Transportation Eligibility Change -- Russian Russian
• Transportation Eligibility Change -- Urdu Urdu
• Transportation Eligibility Change -- Arabic Arabic
• Transportation Eligibility Change -- Haitian Haitian Creole
• Transportation Eligibility Change -- Korean Korean
• Transportation Eligibility Change -- French French

Restoration of Grade 7 and 8 Busing

School bus service is generally not available to students in New York City above the sixth grade.

Prior to the 2010-2011 school year, however, busing was provided to grade 7 and 8 students at fifty-four schools, mostly in Staten Island and a few schools in Queens and Brooklyn, due to a variance known as V0708.

Recent "wind back the clock" legislation returns busing to the schools that used this service in school year 2009-10 as it relates to the Office of Pupil Transportation variance V0708.

If your school did not have busing due to this variance in school year 2009-10, you are not eligible for the restoration of grade 7 and 8 busing.

For more information and a list of schools, see  Restoration of Grade 7 and 8 Busing .

School Closures

Weather event, non-public schools.

Non-public and charter schools should follow the guidelines below for handling weather-related emergencies as well as other emergencies that may impact transportation. Schools with DOE school bus transportation must have an emergency closure plan on file with OPT. In that plan, schools must detail their parent notification procedure for closures and delays.

When DOE schools close due to inclement weather, bus transportation will not be provided to any school (including non-public schools).

If DOE schools remain open and you decide to close your school due to inclement weather, follow one of these steps:

• Include your name, contact information, and OPT school code(s)
• This email address is not monitored on weekends, federal holidays, and other NYCDOE days off
• When we receive your message, OPT will notify bus vendors to suspend service for the next day
• The request is not approved until you receive written confirmation from OPT

To request for delayed opening or early dismissal, follow one of these steps:

• Same day requests for a delayed opening or early closing cannot be accommodated
• The request is not fully approved until you receive written confirmation from OPT

In the event that you decide to close your school on the day of a weather event, you must contact your bus vendor and inform parents before 5:30 AM.

After contacting the vendor and parents, follow one of these steps:

• Notify OPT of your school closure using email:  [email protected]
• Include your name, contact information, and OPT school code(s) and confirm that the vendor and parents have been notified

Other Emergency School Closures

If your school must be closed due to a building safety or mechanical issue:

• An agent will ask you to provide your name, contact information and OPT school code(s)
• Notify your Borough/City-wide Office

Transportation Systems / Applications

• Student Ridership Information
• Add, Remove, and Change bus stops (OPT 199)
• School Bus Violations
• Field Trip Application
• Session Time Application
• Non-Public School Calendar
• Non-Public School Information System (NPSIS)
• Non-Public Summer and Fall Reconciliation
• Pre-K / EI Site and Rider System
• Pre-K / EI Calendar
• Summer Pre-K Rider System

For help with usernames or passwords, email your  Transportation Liaison .

Student Profile  - Search for student school and bus information.

• The Best Way to and From School  - MetroCard guide for traveling in NYC using the MTA.

Related Links

• Requesting Transportation Services
• Transportation Liaisons
• VIA Backpack Letters
• Transportation Modernization Plan

• Corporate outings
• Economy Transportation
• Employee shuttle
• Group Events
• Local travel
• Worker Transportation to/from works sites

School Bus Rental

Whether you’re chartering a bus for fun or for work, a school bus is the most cost-effective way to go. We’re here to help you plan and coordinate everything for your event – even if you’ve never chartered a bus before. We make sure your event is a success from start to finish.

School buses are ideal for school field trips and transportation for after-school events. They’re also perfect for parties and trips for social groups.

School buses aren’t just for school.

Need to get your crew to the job site or a meeting? School buses are a value-driven and convenient option!

Instead of each employee driving alone, you’re improving reliability and helping the planet by having them travel together. Using school buses for corporate parties can also be a fun way to travel – not to mention that it’ll save the company money.

School Bus Rental for Large Group Ground Transportation

Metropolitan Shuttle’s large group charter services ensure stress-free travel for your entire party. Accommodating up to 44 adults or 60 small children, our spacious school buses offer an affordable way to shuttle large groups.

Plus, our courteous drivers navigate traffic expertly while you kick back and relax. With affordable rates and zero parking woes, we make group outings a breeze. So gather your team, club, or extended family – Metropolitan Shuttle’s got you covered for that big event.

Please note: These prices are to be referenced as examples of our typical prices and may vary due to seasonality and high demand dates and events. The actual price for your trip is subject to availability and local sourcing in major metropolitan areas for metro area travel. In the event that a vehicle cannot be locally sourced, “garage time” to the desired pick-up location and return back will be charged. For prices specific to your trip, please request a quote from Metropolitan Shuttle.

Why Rent a School Bus?

• Perfect for daily shuttle services to a work site or construction project
• Safe and reliable transportation for school field trips, sports, or other extracurricular events.
• Ideal for any short-distance travel
• A safe and reliable way to travel and a cost-effective alternative to charter buses
• You can book either a one-time event or multiple trips
• Our centralized billing streamlines the process so that any questions you may have are answered within one call.

Metropolitan Shuttle offers dependable school bus rentals for events or any other activities you have in mind. Contact us for more information or request a quote today!

Our most popular cities:

• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• San Francisco

See our other vehicle types

Charter bus, executive minibus, shuttle van.

• A Guide to Central Pennsylvania’s Top Educational or Field Trip Locations

Central Pennsylvania has a ton of educational field trip locations in Lancaster, Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and beyond. Below are a few places you may want to take your students:

The Amish Village

The Amish Village  is a great educational experience to help students learn about a culture that’s been around for over 300 years. They can tour an authentic Amish farmhouse and many other buildings. A guide will always be nearby to answer any of their questions about the Amish lifestyle. This trip is ideal for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, but they can adapt the material for older students as well.

Black Rock Retreat

Your students can have an engaging outdoor classroom experience at  Black Rock Retreat . This retreat offers half-day, full-day, and even overnight field trips for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. There are different classes you can choose from to fit your educational goals, including animal habitats, wilderness survival, team building, ecology, and geocaching.

Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park  provides plenty of opportunities for learning, from army strategy to leadership decisions and wildlife. In the spring, summer, or fall, you may even find a living history encampment.

Northern Central Railway

Your students can learn about the history of the railroad and Lincoln’s visit to Gettysburg at the  Northern Central Railway . There are even presentations and themed rides through the spring, summer, and fall.

Hollabaugh Bros. Inc. Fruit Farm and Market

This is a great central Pennsylvania field trip idea for any agriculture science class.  Hollabaugh Bros., Inc.  is a 500-acre farm where your students can learn all about modern farming.

State Capitol

The Pennsylvania Capitol  tour is one of the most popular field trips in Pennsylvania as the state’s rich history can come alive for your students. Capitol tour guides can take you and your students through a 30-minute tour before or after you visit the Interactive welcome center and Capitol gift shop.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania

The State Museum of Pennsylvania  has field trip options for students of all ages. There’s an educational StoryTime for children ages 3 to 5 and classes on Native Americans, William Penn, and rocks that are ideal for students in second through sixth grade. Gallery Tours on archaeology and anthropology, life through time, machines through time, Pennsylvania icons, and museum highlights are great for students in fourth grade and up. You can even visit an amazing planetarium ideal for people of all ages.

Whitaker Center

The Whitaker Center  offers two great options for field trips in central Pennsylvania. Students can explore the Harsco Science Center and take part in hands-on activities with a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educator or view a documentary in a large, immersive movie theater. Small groups taking part in the Science Center option can also design projects to solve the day’s challenge.

Choose Rohrer Bus for Transportation Services

Rohrer Bus offers transportation services for school districts and other groups going on a field trip in Pennsylvania. Learn more about all our  bus transportation services  and start planning your educational trip today!

Request Details Form

To learn more about Rohrer Bus.

We’re looking for dependable people to join us in Driving the Future Forward! Explore Open Positions

These students stayed in an unexpected place after getting stuck for hours in I-5 traffic

E lementary students from Quincy had a memorable overnight trip to western Washington when they unexpectedly spent the night at an Everett school following a police shooting that shut down the highway .

Fourth-grade students from Monument and George elementary schools in central Washington had traveled to Seattle for the Quincy School District’s annual overnight field trip. They left the Pacific Science Center on Thursday at about 4:30 p.m. and began traveling on Interstate 5 to Padilla Bay National Reserve in Skagit County.

However, northbound I-5 was shut down in Everett for several hours Thursday evening after a Washington State Patrol trooper shot and killed a road rage suspect.

The school buses carrying students, parents and staff were trapped in gridlock for several hours, the district said.

The Everett Police Department escorted the buses out of traffic to Everett High School at about 11 p.m. The district said an Everett police lieutenant provided dinner for students and connected the Quincy staff to Everett Public Schools administration.

The students stayed at the high school overnight, and pictures shared by the district showed blow-up mattresses set up in the gymnasium for sleeping.

Accommodations were arranged for bus drivers so they would be well-rested for the return trip, according to the district.

Counselors with service dogs were on hand to assist students.

Everett High School Principal Kelly Shepherd arranged breakfast for students, parents and staff and provided coffee for the adults through the school’s student-run DECA store.

“The care and support they provided to our school community was remarkable and will not be forgotten by the Quincy community," said Quincy Superintendent Nik Bergman.

Popular Searches:

Special Events , Season Passes , Field Trips

Field Trips

Book a field trip at blackberry farm.

Blackberry Farm is a living history museum where pioneer life is re-created through educational demonstrations and hands-on fun. Our educational experiences complement classroom curriculum for grades Pre-K and up. Topics and hands-on activities align with Illinois State Standards. Below are the different field trips to review when deciding which field trip would best for your group.

• Self-Guided Field Trips (May - Sept.)
• Guided Field Trips (Sept. - Oct.)
• How to Book Your Field Trip

Self-Guided Field Trips (May – September)

Self-Guided field trips are offered May-September. Self Guided field trips allow students to explore educational exhibits and demonstrations in addition to all of Blackberry Farm’s rides and activities. For more information about Blackberry Farm’s historical sites and attractions please visit our Plan Your Visit page.

May : Monday-Friday, 9:30am-2pm June-August : Monday-Friday, 9:30am-3:30pm September : Friday, 9:30am-3:30pm

Illinois State Standard: 15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.B.1a, 16.A.1c, 16.A.1b, 16.A.2c, 16.B.2d, 16.C.2c, 16.E.2a

Field Trip reservations cannot be scheduled on Free Museum Days (2024 Dates: June 5, 19; July 3, 17, 31, August 14)

Guided Field Trips (September & October)

Guided field trips are offered September & October. Field trips are 2 hours in length and have a minimum of 25 students and a maximum of 100 students. Please Note: Blackberry Farm is closed to the public during guided field trips. Only the sites involved with the field trip will be open during the visit.

September : Monday – Thursday, 9:30 or 10 a.m. October : Monday-Friday, 9:30 or 10 a.m.

Apple Hayride (Pre-K to Grade 2):

Take a tractor-driven hayride to the farm’s own apple orchard, learn about the legend of Johnny Appleseed, see and use an antique apple press and sample some tasty apple treats.

Illinois State Standards: 15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.A.1, 17.C.1a, 17.C.1b, 16.A.1A, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.B.1

Pioneer Exploration (Grades 1 to 2):

Step into the life of a child from the 1800s. Students will receive a lesson in our One-room Schoolhouse, try their hand at daily chores at the Pioneer Cabin, visit with the weaver for a hands-on experience working with wool and learn about animals at the Discovery Barn.

Illinois State Standards: 15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.A.1, 18.B.1a,18.C.1, 17.C.1a, 17.C.1b, 17.D.2b, 16A.1a, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.B.2d, 16.C.2c, 16.D.2B, 16.E.2a

Destination 1800s (Grades 3 to 5):

Through hands-on and interactive activities, students will step back in time to learn why pioneers chose to move to Illinois and how they survived. Explore the Pioneer Cabin, Blacksmith Shop, Print Shop and Weaver’s Cabin.

Illinois State Standards: 15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.A.2, 18.B.1a, 18.C.1, 18.C.2, 15.C.1a, 17.C.1b, 17.C.2c, 17.D.2b, 16.A.1a, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.A.2c, 16.B.2d, 16.C.2c, 16.D.2b, 16.E.2a

One-Room Schoolhouse (Grades 2 to 5):

The One-room Schoolhouse program offers an immersive experience in the life of children of the 1800s. Activities will be led in the most authentic way possible and simulate actual lessons and activities form the days of the One-room Schoolhouse. Maximum number: 30 Students.

Illinois State Standards: 16A.1a, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.B.2d

Please follow the link below for the required request form you will need to fill out in order to book your field trip.

Self-Guided Field Trip Form

Guided Field Trip Form

• Download the appropriate form for your field trip type, fill out all fields, and email it to [email protected] .
• A Blackberry Farm staff member will respond to your request within 48 hours. Blackberry Farm takes all inquiries on a first-come, first-served basis, and your submission will be responded to in the order in which it was received.
• Once your field trip has been officially booked a confirmation email will be sent including all of your field trip details.

Still unsure which field trip would best fit your group needs? Have additional questions for our staff? We’re here to help. Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Having trouble opening PDFs? Download Adobe Reader here.

Install Blackberry Farm

Install this application on your home screen for quick and easy access when you’re on the go.

Just tap then “Add to Home Screen”

Field Trips for Your Music Class

Field trips offer a unique opportunity to enrich the learning experience. From being immersed in sensory activities to being able to see firsthand the places where music happens, a field trip is unforgettable for most kids.

Traditionally, field trips involve traveling to a destination, but this isn’t a requirement. Technological advances have made it possible to tour far-off places that a lack of time and money might otherwise make it impossible to visit.

Whether your music field trips are virtual or take place in the real world, your homeschoolers will find these experiences to be deeply enriching. They bring to life all of the things about which they have been learning in music education. This may mean unlocking even greater knowledge and imagination.

Here are just a few ideas for music field trips for your homeschoolers:

1. Attend a Symphony or Orchestra Performance

If you live close to a city where there is a symphony, orchestra, chamber music performance troupe or other groups, check into getting tickets for you and your kids. Finding matinee concerts on weekends is usually easy or you could choose to take in an evening performance to make the field trip even more momentous for your children.

Many cities also have youth philharmonics or orchestras. It can be especially fun and inspiring for kids to see others who are close to their own age excelling at playing an instrument. Don’t shy away from choral performances as well. Some kids are even more inspired by a beautiful voice and the way that it blends with musical accompaniment.

If you’re fortunate enough to live relatively close to an orchestra, then pay attention to their website. Many of these performance groups periodically present weekday performances for local school groups. They may be welcoming to your homeschooled students joining the group. What a fun opportunity to hear a live music performance with an audience that’s filled with kids!

Many of these programs also have fun and informative question and answer periods to make the field trip even more interesting.

2. Take a Virtual Tour

Is there a music-related destination that you and your students have always wanted to visit? Maybe it’s just too far away to be a realistic field trip, but the good news is that many famous sites now offer virtual tours. This can be a convenient and inexpensive way to get a backstage look at some of the most famous music venues in the world.

Here’s a sample of available virtual tours:

• The Beede Gallery: A one-of-a-kind collection of musical instruments from the Pacific Islands, Africa, Asia and beyond makes this collection informative and unforgettable. It’s a wonderful way to introduce youngsters to how music is made in various countries and cultures;
• New York’s Metropolitan Opera : This world-renowned opera company streams past performances for people around the world to enjoy. Watching even part of one of these performances is a wonderful opportunity to see powerful vocal and instrumental artists in one of the most famous venues on the planet;
• The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow: Plenty of famous artists have enjoyed stellar careers playing in this venue. From the gilded balconies and seats from which the audience enjoys performances, the virtual tour takes viewers on a journey through the costume department and other backstage areas;
• Carnegie Hall, New York City: Located in Manhattan, this prestigious venue has hosted everything from classical music to rock ‘n roll. Go on the virtual tour to explore the Hall’s three auditoriums, learn about its history and watch a fascinating 360-degree view of a performance by the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra;
• Theatro Municipal, Sao Paulo: This opulent venue was built in 1903 in Brazil using materials that were imported from Europe. Get a 360-degree view of the audience, a tour of the backstage areas and see a performance of a Wagner opera by visiting the theater’s website; and
• Burgtheater in Vienna: Europe’s second-oldest theater was originally built in 1741. Bombs and a subsequent fire all-but destroyed the venue during World War II, but it has since been restored to its former glory. As you take the virtual tour, pay particular attention to the intricately painted ceiling, which features some work by a young Gustav Klimt.

These and dozens of other virtual tours are free and easy to access online. If there’s a famous theater, venue or performance troupe to which you think it would be beneficial to introduce your students, visit their website to see what kind of resources they offer.

3. Visit a Factory that Makes Musical Instruments

This won’t be available to everyone, but if you can find a factory or musical instrument maker within a reasonable distance of your home, then it might be a good idea to ask about scheduling a tour.

Here’s just a small sampling of possible tours:

• William S. Haynes Company, Inc. in Acton, Massachusetts, makers of flutes since 1888;
• Tsunami Guitars in Cleveland, Tennessee, makers of solid-body electric guitars;
• Wooden Cross Hardware in Decatur, Indiana, makers of snare drums and drum sets;
• Cunningham Piano Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a piano restoration factory;
• Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in Corona, California, featuring 8,000 square feet of exhibits and much more; and
• Gibson Guitar Factory in Memphis, Tennessee, makers of world-famous guitars.

4. Tour a Local Theater or Other Music Venue

Did you know that many theaters and performance venues provide daytime tours of their auditoriums and backstage facilities? Each tour is a fascinating opportunity for kids and parents to discover how theaters work.

Many of these tours are offered for free or at an impressively reduced rate, especially if the tour is given in the name of education. Going on a tour provides a chance to see the venues in which musicals, concerts, stage plays and dance performances are given on a regular basis.

Frequently, the tour guide is extremely knowledgeable about the inner workings of the theater and the troupes that perform there. Feel free to ask lots of questions. To make the tour even more meaningful, try to attend a performance after the tour.

5. Go to a Musical Theater Performance

If you live relatively close to a metropolitan area, then you may have more opportunities than you realize to attend a musical theater show. Sometimes, these shows are a national touring company for a Broadway show. Other times, these performances are presented by local and regional troupes on a professional, semi-professional or amateur basis.

Any of these shows may be worthwhile. If you’re not sure if this is your kids’ cup of tea, then try a community theater performance where the tickets will be less expensive and the atmosphere may be more casual.

If this goes well, then it may be time to step up to a national touring company that offers plenty of big set changes, special effects and more. It’s an unforgettable experience for any kid!

6. Attend a Ballet or Modern Dance Program

Opportunities to see dance troupes abound in most metropolitan areas. From local to national professional companies, you may discover a wide range of dance styles to explore.

Don’t overlook the recitals of local children’s dance schools as well. Kids love to see performers who are in their age group. Moreover, these offerings tend to be less expensive and shorter in duration, which can be a major plus for children with shorter attention spans.

7. Go to a Recording Studio

You don’t necessarily have to live in Nashville, Los Angeles or New York to tour a recording studio. These facilities can be found in most good-sized cities, and kids may be fascinated to see all of the high-tech equipment that goes into making professional recordings. A highlight on some of these tours is being able to make your own music into the microphone so that you can hear it being played back.

8. Attend a Rehearsal for a Band or Choir

Children can learn a great deal by watching musicians and singers practice their art. Seeing the polished performance is one thing, but it is quite another to watch as artists struggle to get that performance to that point. It’s a wonderful lesson in discipline and the rewards of hard work. Try to attend the performance of the piece that was being rehearsed so that your kids can spot the differences.

9. Tour the Music Program at the Local College or University

If you live fairly close to a college or university that has a music program, then you may want to call someone at the department to see about scheduling a tour for your homeschoolers. Such a tour provides an excellent opportunity to see practice and performance venues, recording studios, libraries and other facilities that all may contribute to music education. For kids who are thinking about studying music in college, this can be a rewarding experience.

10. Take in a Music Festival

From classical music to bluegrass, music festivals are popular events across the country. Some are mega-festivals spread over more than a week with thousands of attendees, but others are quite intimate and feel almost exclusive. While some of these events focus on a single musical instrument or genre, others are quite diverse. A festival can be a relaxed way to introduce your children to new genres and live performances.

Instructors miss a golden opportunity when they neglect to follow up after a music field trip. For one thing, the kids’ minds are primed to learn more about the topic they’ve just spend an entire day seeing close up. Quality post-planning for every trip is the real key to extending and multiplying the learning experience. Here’s a roster of activities you can include in your trip follow up lessons:

Spend time asking each student what they enjoyed about the trip and ask the class to come up with suggestions for the next excursion.

Assign different class members to prepare reports about specific portions of the trip and assemble the final product into a class book to be distributed to students, parents and even trip hosts. Orchestra directors, for example, love receiving such reports from teachers. The document not only makes a nice thank-you gift but lets the hosts know how much a particular visit meant to the entire class. Try to have students work in small groups on the different sections of the report so that everyone has a chance to contribute.

Review any assignments that students completed while on the trip.

Have everyone compose thank-you notes to those who hosted field trip events, like symphony members, museum directors, sound studio managers, and more. This is more than just an exercise in social niceties. You’ll likely discover that many of the hosts reply with open invitations for future events, free concert tickets and other generous offers. Even more, the thank-you note writing teaches children a valuable lesson about networking, a skill they’ll need in their later careers.

If you’ve introduced music education into your homeschool and your kids love it, then maybe it’s time to encourage them to make their own music. At Music Prodigies, we develop accessible music curricula that are suitable for kids. It’s a fun, inventive and interactive way to learn about music, and even parents will find it enjoyable.

After the Trip: Following Up

Allow for at least an hour of classroom time on a day after the trip for pupils to share their experiences and mention anything they discovered that was surprising or unexpected. For example, someone might mention how long the symphony practice sessions are just prior to a big public performance. Kids are always amazed at how much time and dedication it takes to be a symphony orchestra member. In any case, make sure to give students time to bring up anything they want about their perspective of the outing.

School opens for Quincy students stuck in Everett after shooting closes I-5 for hours

by Joel Moreno, KOMO News Reporter

EVERETT, Wash. — An I-5 road rage incident turned fatal trooper-involved shooting left all northbound lanes closed for nearly eight hours late Thursday. Among those stuck in the lengthy backups were three school buses filled with fourth graders from a school in Quincy.

The students were in the area on a field trip but ended up trapped in their buses for hours. Finally, the chaperones reached out to law enforcement and Everett police responded.

RELATED | Video shows I-5 road rage incident in Everett before trooper fatally shoots man

“The police department did a police escort. They had to U-turn on Broadway in that traffic the three buses, so the police escorted the kids back here,” said Kelly Shepherd, the principal at Everett High School.

The officers also got food for the kids, and the children, who had brought sleeping bags with them, spent the night at the gym at Everett High School. The food service workers even provided breakfast for them on Friday morning before they continued on their way.

“I think it was just a true team effort from the police department, from our school, our school district, our departments in our district to just ensure that kids and staff had what they needed,” Shepherd said.

According to the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART), troopers responded to a road rage incident on the shoulder of I-5 near Marine View Drive (milepost 197) in Everett just after 4 p.m. Thursday.

SMART spokesperson Courtney O'Keefe said the man had rammed a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) contractor vehicle and a lift that was on the shoulder of the interstate. The lift had two WSDOT contractors with Atkinson Construction onboard and was operating over the slough.

Video recorded by KOMO News from a WSDOT traffic camera shortly after the incident began shows some type of physical altercation between the man and at least two WSDOT contractors on the side of I-5 before the deadly shooting. O'Keefe confirmed to KOMO News the altercation was the result of a road rage incident.

A WSP trooper can be seen in the video pulling up to the scene on the other side of the interstate as the man runs across the roadway.

The SMART said the man was armed with a hammer and “an altercation ensued between the suspect, WSDOT contractors, and a Washington State Patrol trooper.” The man was shot by the trooper during the altercation.

Law enforcement gave the man first aid, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The WSDOT contractor who was assaulted suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to the SMART.

Trailways Bus Schedules from Moscow, ID to Pullman, WA

Loading results...

Choose Departure Schedule

• Trip duration : 25m
• Lowest Price : $19
• Number of trips per day : 2

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Pullman?

What are the earliest and latest bus trips Moscow to Pullman?

The earliest and latest bus trips from Moscow to Pullman can vary depending on the day of the week and specific schedules. Typically, the earliest bus departs from Moscow around 6:40 am and arrives at Pullman around 7:05 am. The latest bus from Moscow to Pullman usually leaves at approximately 2:25 pm and arrives at Pullman around 2:50 pm.

Keep in mind that these times are subject to change, so we recommend visiting our website or contacting our customer service for the most up-to-date and specific information regarding the schedules for your preferred travel date. We're here to help you plan your journey, no matter what time you choose to travel.

What bus station(s) are closest to Moscow?

The bus station closest to Moscow depends on your exact location within the area. Trailways serves multiple bus stations in various regions, and our aim is to provide convenient access for our passengers.

To find the nearest bus station to your location, we recommend visiting our website and using our station locator tool. By entering your address or location details, you'll receive information about the closest bus stations, their addresses, and any additional details you might need, such as amenities and services available at each station. Alternatively, our friendly customer service team is always ready to assist you in finding the most convenient options for your journey.

How can I reschedule my trip if I've bought my ticket through Trailways.com?

• The Star ePaper
• Subscriptions
• Manage Profile
• Change Password
• Manage Logins
• Manage Subscription
• Transaction History
• Manage Billing Info
• Manage For You
• Manage Bookmarks
• Package & Pricing

Graduation trip turns tragic - Indonesia school bus crash in Bandung kills 11, dozens injured

Sunday, 12 May 2024

Related News

Indonesia eases import rule for some goods to clear containers at port

Philippines arrests australian suspect, most wanted in indonesia and reportedly the father of a rugby star, for drugs trafficking, eruption of indonesia's mt ibu forces seven villages to evacuate.

The bus was carrying over 60 students and teachers from the Java town of Depok to Lembang in Indonesia when it crashed. - PHOTO: XINHUA

BANDUNG, Indonesia (AFP) - At least eleven people were killed and dozens more were injured when a bus carrying high school students on a graduation trip crashed on Indonesia's biggest island, police said Sunday.

The bus was carrying more than 60 students and teachers from the Java island town of Depok to Lembang, a popular tourist spot, when it crashed at 6:48 pm (1148 GMT) on Saturday.

The students had just celebrated their graduation and were on a school trip when the bus suddenly lost control and tilted to the left, crashing into a car and three motorbikes, West Java province police spokesman Jules Abraham Abast told AFP Sunday.

"Out of the passengers who died, nine of them were students, and one of them was a teacher," Abast said.

The accident also killed one motorcyclist, seriously injured 13 people and caused minor injuries to 40 others, he added.

Local traffic police chief Undang Syarif Hidayat told broadcaster Kompas he suspected the bus' brake malfunctioned before the crash, but Abast said police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Deadly traffic accidents are common in Indonesia, where vehicles are often old or poorly maintained, and road rules are routinely ignored.

Last month, at least 12 people were killed when a car crashed into a bus and another car on a busy highway in West Java, as people travelled to celebrate Aidilfitri holidays with relatives at the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. - AFP

Tags / Keywords: Indonesia , Tragic Accident , Graduation Trip , Bus Crash , 11 Killed , Dozens Injured

Found a mistake in this article?

Report it to us.

Thank you for your report!

ZTE spearheads Malaysia's 5G revolution with its ‘Unfolding the Intelligent Future 2024’ event and receives the Malaysia Book of Records’ fastest 5G-Advanced live trial award.

Next in aseanplus news.

Trending in AseanPlus

Air pollutant index, highest api readings, select state and location to view the latest api reading.

• Select Location

Source: Department of Environment, Malaysia

Others Also Read

Best viewed on Chrome browsers.

We would love to keep you posted on the latest promotion. Kindly fill the form below

Thank you for downloading.

We hope you enjoy this feature!

8 teens taken to hospital after ingesting marijuana edibles during school field trip

Eight teenagers got "acutely ill" and were transported to the hospital after ingesting marijuana edibles during a field trip to the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, authorities said.

An on-site security officer found the sickened male and female students and called 911 around 2:30 p.m. PT Tuesday, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

"LAFD Paramedics arrived quickly to determine each had an altered level of consciousness, following their reported ingestion of cannabis edibles," LAFD said in a statement .

The eight teens were transported by ambulance to area hospitals in fair condition for further assessment, LAFD said.

It is unclear where the students attend school.

The La Brea Tar Pits said in a statement on X that the high school students were on a chaperoned field trip to the famed paleontological research site when they fell ill and that their staff "acted quickly to assess the situation and seek medical aid."

"According to first responders, their symptoms were caused by something the students ingested on their own, unrelated to their visit to La Brea Tar Pits," the statement continued. "We extend our care and concern to the students and their families and wish them a healthy recovery."

Related Topics

Top stories.

Man with restraining order against him fatally shot in Monrovia

LAPD searching for gunman after 3 wounded by gunfire in Van Nuys

• 2 hours ago

DA says too late for charges in 2016 alleged Diddy assault on video

Caltrans proposal aims to replace gas tax with charge per mile driven

Disneyland parades and characters employees vote to join union

• 3 hours ago

Electric Fiat 500 returns with improved range, updated retro style

Teachers criticize Newsom's budget proposal

UPS driver was fatally shot by acquaintance, Irvine police say