Transportation
The Durango School District 9-R Transportation currently operates 16 bus routes, 4 of which are Special Education routes. Most of our routes serve rural areas and outlying subdivisions. We bring 1450 students to and from school on a daily basis, covering approximately 2300 miles.
Our fleet of vehicles consists of 1 electric bus, 37 large buses, 7 mini buses, 12 trucks and maintenance vehicles, plus 3 SUVs. 3 of our large buses are reserved for out of town trips and 9 are spares that are used when route buses are being repaired or serviced. During an average school year 9-R buses log approximately 400,000 route miles and 135,000 activity miles. In addition to the CDE mandated annual inspection, each of our buses undergoes a monthly maintenance service.
Our drivers complete training in August before school starts and approximately 26 hours total training through out the school year. Our drivers are governed by Colorado Department of Education and Commercial Drivers License Rules and Regulations. New drivers complete 35 to 40 hours preliminary training and must pass a CDL test before they can drive with students. All drivers must complete a CDE first-aid certification every two years.
The primary mission of the 9-R Transportation department is to provide students with safe and secure transportation to and from school in a friendly environment that enhances the total learning process.
The National Academy of Sciences and the U.S Department of Transportation agree that school buses are the safest form of transportation for getting children to and from school.
_______________________________________________
Bus Registration
To register your student for bus services for the 2024-25 school year, please click this link:
REGISTER HERE
If you have special circumstances that cannot be accommodated through our registration link, feel free to email us at [email protected].
Is Transportation Provided for Students Who Are Open-Enrolled?
Positive Behavior Interventions and Support on the School Bus
Durango School District is initiating a new program for school bus riders. Positive Behavior Interventions and Support on the School Bus is designed to create a positive climate, prevent problem behavior, teach positive behavior, and keep everyone safe. Please review this with your student(s) to set the expectations for a successful school year.
_______________________________________________
School Year Hours
For the 2024-25 school year, our office hours will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Direct Line: (970) 247-5335
Email: [email protected]
_______________________________________________
Weather Delays and Closures
Process for School Closures and 1-Hour Delayed Starts
In the event of inclement weather, Durango 9R Schools use a variety of resources to determine if conditions exist that warrant a 1-hour delayed start or closure of schools.
If conditions pose a concern for student and staff safety, the district will make every effort to announce a decision by 5:30 a.m. to close or delay opening schools. A 1-hour delayed start or closure will be communicated in several different ways, including:
- District website
- School websites
- Local media outlets
- Email and text message to parents
- Ensure your information is up-to-date in Infinite Campus
Keep in mind, you will only receive alerts if schools are closed or operating on a 2-hour delay. If schools are open and operating on a normal schedule you will not receive an alert.
If schools are open but a parent feels, based on personal circumstances, that conditions pose a safety concern for their child getting to or from school they can call the school for an excused absence
To ride a bus to school in the Durango School District, a student must be registered with the Transportation Department for the current school year. You will need to request transportation for each student in your household separately.
_______________________________________________
Stopfinder: Coming Soon
Imagine knowing where your child is while on the bus, or how where the bus is on a snow day? With Stopfinder, you gain greater peace of mind as you stay informed on your child’s whereabouts. Receive bus location and messages, updates, and alerts in real-time. We are working to incorporate the Stopfinder app into the Transportation Department’s communications process.
What Is Transfinder and Why Is the District Adopting It?
Transfinder is a location-tracking system that ensures the safe transportation of students as efficiently as possible. It gives our drivers turn-by-turn directions, and tells the Transportation Department who is on the bus and where the bus is.