SY24-25 Financial Incentive Program for Students with Disabilities
Please be aware that our Financial Incentive Program (“FIP”) commonly referred to as a transportation stipend has undergone significant changes this year. The eligibility criteria and final decisions are determined by the Transportation Department.
Some of the eligibility criteria for the FIP has changed for the 2024-25 school year. To be eligible, students must:
- Have an IEP or 504 Plan with transportation as a related service;
- Have a valid transportation request on file with the District;
- Reside five miles or more from the home of record to the school of attendance; and
- The District does not readily have a route/vehicle*;
*FIP cannot be used in conjunction with District-provided transportation (i.e. A student cannot receive busing services in the morning and the stipend for parent-provided transportation in the afternoon.
Note: If CPS is unable to route a student due to complexities and/or capacity, they may also be eligible to receive the financial incentive until they are routed.
By accepting this financial incentive, families agree to provide transportation for their student(s) to and from school. However, participation in this program will NOT lead to the loss of transportation services. Families who choose to participate in FIP and wish to change to CPS-provided transportation may opt to do so by contacting Student Transportation at transoptions@cps.edu. Please note that depending on vehicle and driver availability, a delay may occur.
How to Apply
By accepting this financial incentive, families agree to provide transportation for their student(s) to and from school.
To apply, complete the STS Request for Financial Incentive form for EACH child who meets the qualifications for this benefit. Student Transportation Services (STS) will review the request and inform families of their decision within five business days.
Participating in the FIP will NOT lead to the loss of transportation services. Families who choose to participate in FIP and wish to change to direct CPS transportation may do so by contacting transoptions@cps.edu. Please note that depending on vehicle and driver availability, a delay may occur.
“Hub-Stop” Model for SY24-25
CPS is planning to phase in a new “hub stop” model during the 2024-25 school year. “Hub stops” will be designated CPS schools where general education students who are eligible for transportation can access a bus to and from their school of choice.
Our hope is to begin using these hub stops during the first quarter of the school year, starting with those students who are furthest from opportunity and phasing in additional general education students as capacity allows.
CPS Transportation is Hiring
Send your resume to driver@cps.edu and the Transportation Department will forward your resume to companies that manage hiring for these positions.
School Year 2024-25 Transportation Services Forms
Update
Due to the ongoing bus driver shortage, CPS may not be able to provide transportation to all families of General Education students in magnet or selective programs for the 2024-25 school year. CPS sincerely regrets the challenges and inconvenience that this bus driver shortage has caused for many District families.
As a reminder, general education students in magnet or selective programs who qualify for CPS transportation can receive free Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Ventra cards valued at $35 per month and a companion pass for one parent or guardian who may need to accompany the student on CTA. Please complete the CTA Ventra Card Request or see your school’s designated transportation coordinator for more information.
Bus Aide Hotline
773-553-2850