Q. What is a designated school?
The Board of Trustees designates schools for students by creating boundary areas. Students are directed to attend their designated school or alternate-designated school.
Q. What is an eligible student?
Alberta Education defines eligible students for transportation funding as those residing greater than 2.39 km from their designated school or alternate-designated school. Distances are measured to 2 decimal places as per Alberta Education funding guidelines.
Q. What is an ineligible student?
An ineligible student is one who lives less than 2.4 km away from his/her designated school or alternate-designated school. Distance is calculated using a combination of roadways and walkways. It may not always match the driven distance of your family car. Distances are measured to 2 decimal places as per Alberta Education funding guidelines.
Q. What is a Non-designated student?
A Non-designated student is defined as one who attends an EIPS' school other than his/her designated school or alternate-designated school. For example, students attending an alternative program such as Logos, Honours, or a Christian School are considered Non-designated students. Students who attend a bilingual or language immersion program are not considered Non-designated students because, as per Alberta Education guidelines, the school providing the program automatically becomes the child's designated school or alternate-designated school. Students wishing to access Non-designated transportation are automatically subject to the Ineligible Fee.
Q. How does EIPS determine the rates for student transportation fees?
Alberta Education provides funding for student transportation based on a student's eligibility. EIPS sets fees based on reasonableness of costs to parents, not on actual costs or funding rates incurred as this would make the cost of services prohibitive. EIPS charges a fee to transport all students, both eligible and ineligible. Parents will receive a letter in May indicating the amount of fees that are due for their child/children.
Q. How do I pay my fees and when are they due?
Fees are due by June 30 of the school year prior to the year for which you require transportation services. They can be paid through our secure online payment page using VISA, Mastercard, direct debit (Interac), money order or in person at EIPS' Central Office. Cheques are not an accepted method of payment.
For fees paid after June 30 busing accommodation will depend on availability.
Q. If I am a non-resident student but want to attend an EIPS school, do I have to pay the Non-Designated School Fee?
Non-resident students attending an EIPS' school will be subject to a fee. Refer to the Transportation Fee Schedule for specific rates.
Q. Student Transportation now offers a payment plan, how do I apply and what are the terms?
The Payment Plan for Transportation Fees is offered from September to February with debits coming directly from the applicant’s bank account on the 20th of each month. The initial payment will include the $25 administrative fee that is applied to all participants of this payment option.
The application for the payment plan can be found at https://www.eips.ca/transportation/transportation-fees/payment-plan-application
Please Note: The Payment Plan is only offered for fees in excess of $300.