Hub Stops for SY24-25
To expand transportation for eligible general education students during the 2024-25 school year, CPS is implementing a new Hub Stop Pilot Program.
What is a Hub Stop?
Hub Stops are centralized pick-up and drop-off locations at specific CPS schools. Eligible general education students meet their bus at a designated location, at which point the bus will transport them to and from their school of choice. This pilot will allow us to transport more general education students with fewer drivers and make our routes more efficient.
Why are we using Hub Stops?
The national shortage of school bus drivers is impacting many districts, including Chicago Public Schools. By using Hub Stops, we can maximize the allocation of resources and provide reliable transportation to more of our general education students
Who will be eligible for Hub Stops?
Families of eligible general education students were notified via email the week of November 25th, 2024, with specific details about their child's assigned Hub Stop location and pick-up/drop-off times.
How are Hub Stops selected?
We carefully select Hub Stop locations based on several factors, including:
- School capacity
- Bell times
- Operational readiness
- The CPS Opportunity Index, which prioritizes students furthest from opportunity
When will eligible students begin to receive transportation?
CPS will begin transporting eligible students the week of December 9, 2024.
Need help?
Please contact Student Transportation at 773-553-2860 or transoptions@cps.edu with any questions or concerns about Hub Stops, Ventra Cards, or general transportation matters.
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.
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.
SY24-25 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