Introduction to Houston ISD Transportation
The priority deadline for submitting a transportation request has passed, but Houston ISD families can still complete the form to let the district know if their student is eligible and interested in bus service for the upcoming school year. This request helps HISD finalize routes and improve service. Families can access the form by visiting the HISD transportation website.
New Option for High School Students
METRO Passes
Starting this year, eligible high school students will have the option to use a free METRO pass instead of riding a traditional HISD school bus. This partnership offers more flexibility for families, especially for students who already rely on public transportation.
Eligibility for Transportation
To be eligible for transportation, students must meet one of the following criteria:
- Attend their zoned school and live more than two miles away
- Be a magnet transfer student attending a school outside their zone
- Have a hazardous walking route to school
Improvements to Ride Times
The district says ride times are being reduced across the board:
- No more than 50 minutes for students traveling to their zoned neighborhood school
- No more than 80 minutes for magnet students
Staying Connected with Houston ISD
More than 30,000 families have already joined Parent Square, Houston ISD’s new district-wide communication platform. All HISD schools will use it this year. If you haven’t signed up yet, check your email or text messages for an invite. To help, HISD has posted a video on YouTube titled "Now You Know How to Sign Up for Parent Square." It walks families through the setup and shows how to customize their account.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Houston ISD is making efforts to improve transportation services for its students, including the introduction of free METRO passes for eligible high school students and reduced ride times. Additionally, the district is enhancing communication with families through the Parent Square platform. By taking advantage of these services, families can make the most of the upcoming school year and stay connected with the district.
