Frequently Asked Transportation Questions
Who provides busing for GRPS scholars?
Dean Transportation provides busing for Pre-K through 8th grade GRPS scholars, along with all scholars who have an IEP that requires transportation.
The Rapid provides transportation for GRPS scholars in 9th through 12th grade.
What are the eligibility guidelines for transportation?
K-5, K-8, Pre-K:
Scholars living at least 1 mile from neighborhood school are eligible for transportation.
6-8th Schools:
Scholars living at least 1.5 miles from neighborhood school are eligible for transportation.
9th – 12th:
Scholars living at least 1.5 miles from neighborhood school and must be eligible for free or reduced lunch receive a Rapid WAVE card.
Theme School Transportation
Eligibility is based on multiple factors. If you have additional questions, please complete our transportation form.
I have a transportation question, who do I contact?
Urgent problem:
Call Dean Transportation Dispatch Center: 616-819-3000, option 1.
Non-emergency requests:
Complete transportation input form.
Transportation app question:
Call 616-819-3000, option 2.
What are the best times to talk with a Dean Transportation Supervisor?
The best time to talk with a Dean Transportation Supervisor is during off-peak hours from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. You can contact a supervisor by calling 616-819-3000, and selecting option 1.
Can I track on-time performance?
Yes! Dean Transportation posts monthly on-time performance reports on the Reimagine GRPS Dashboard. The data comes directly from GPS tracking on buses.
How many GRPS scholars are transported by Dean Transportation?
More than 4,800 individual scholars are scheduled to ride on GRPS buses daily.
How are routes planned by Dean Transportation?
Routes are planned on an opt-out basis, under the transportation policies established by GRPS. This means that all scholars who are eligible for transportation are planned as riders unless families indicate a scholar will not be utilizing transportation. Actual ridership varies throughout the school year based on individual need.
What is the process to update a scholar’s address and phone number?
Address, telephone, and other contact information is maintained by GRPS. Updates must be made at the scholar’s school. Student Information is automatically uploaded to Dean daily, and the transportation route planning system recognizes changes which are then reviewed by Dean staff for planning. To receive automated alerts and transportation communication, a current phone number must be in GRPS’s system. Having correct contact information on file with GRPS is important to receive communication.
I recently moved; how do I receive my new bus information?
Address, telephone, and other contact information is maintained by GRPS. Updates must be made at the scholar’s school. Student Information is automatically uploaded to Dean daily, and the transportation route planning system recognizes changes which are then reviewed by Dean staff for planning. GRPS school buildings communicate bus stop information to scholars when required.
How quickly are route changes made?
Route changes are made three to five school days from notice of a change. Please keep in mind that route changes impact other families, and notice is required to all families impacted by a route change.
How do I track my scholar’s bus?
Dean offers a school bus tracking application called Here Comes the Bus, that enables parents and caregivers to view the real-time location of their scholar’s school bus on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here Comes the Bus also offers parents and caregivers the option to receive email alerts and push notifications. This application can be downloaded on any smartphone, tablet or computer. Real-time bus location information can be viewed by entering the scholar’s ID, last name, and a district code specific to GRPS: 29651.
How do I track my scholar entering and exiting the bus?
Dean provides a student tracking solution for families called Zonar MyView (ZPass). The Zonar MyView (ZPass) program allows parents to receive notifications when a scholar scans a card while getting on and off the bus, helping assure their safety.
How is transportation policy established?
Dean operates within the transportation and security policies established by GRPS. These policies include rider eligibility, ride time goals, walk boundaries, student discipline procedures, and use of certain security technologies. GRPS provides related operational procedures and training for Dean staff members.
Do Dean Transportation buses have cameras?
As of the 2024-25 school year, Dean buses do not have cameras. GRPS and Dean have received feedback from parents and caretakers requesting that cameras be added. This option is currently being explored.
How is student behavior addressed?
Scholars are considered to be in school while on a school bus, therefore, they are subject to all rules for health and safety while on the bus. Dean staff are trained in techniques to deescalate situations and to support a positive environment while operating the school bus. Behavior considered as seriously disruptive will result in disciplinary action by GRPS.
How are bus stop locations determined?
School bus stops are established according to GRPS policy and legal requirements under Michigan Public Act 187.
What do I do if I have a concern about a bus stop location?
Parents or caretakers may contact a Dean Transportation Supervisor to discuss safety concerns about a bus stop location. You can call 616-819-3000 or complete our transportation form.
How are snow days determined?
The GRPS administration determines if school will be closed due to inclement weather.
How are school bus drivers trained?
Pupil transportation training for GRPS is provided by qualified instructors who deliver the Dean Transportation START and PROCEED curriculum in an in-person classroom format. This curriculum is proprietary to Dean, unique in the industry, and exceeds all federal and State of Michigan requirements for commercial driver and school bus-specific training. Dean’s initial training and ongoing continuous education focus on operational skills, special needs transportation, medical awareness and protocols, supporting social emotional learning for students, and employee self-care. Following initial education and training, Dean Team members participate in annual in services and monthly continuing education programs utilizing a virtual learning management system available 24/7 on any internet connected device. Dean team members also collaborate on learning through GRPS and Kent ISD cross-department training and in-service opportunities. These opportunities develop skills, teambuilding, and knowledge to best support scholars.
How do I become a school bus driver in GRPS?
Dean Transportation is always looking for compassionate and caring individuals to join our growing team of professionals. Being a GRPS Transportation professional is a rewarding career, supporting scholars and the Grand Rapids Community. No prior school bus or commercial driving experience is required to start your personalized training. Dean Transportation pays all individuals, based on their hourly rate of pay, to complete the required training and testing to become a fully credentialed commercial school bus driver. GRPS school bus driver positions currently start at up to $23.25 per hour, with wage growth based on years of service with Dean, and flexible work opportunities based on individual interest and availability. To learn more about career opportunities, please visit deanjobs.com/grandrapids or contact the transportation office at 616-819-3000.
Why do some stops use the Overhead Red Lights and others use the Hazard Lights?
Michigan uses two different types of "Lighting" for its school bus stops.
- Buses MUST use "Overhead Reds" when students cross the road at the bus stop and in certain other traffic conditions defined by the law.
- Buses may use "Hazard Lights" when students do NOT cross the road at the bus stop and when specific other traffic and bus stop location conditions are met.
