LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools' 485-RIDE transportation hotline opened just opened and is already fielding hundreds of calls from parents during the last full week of summer break.
The district opened the hotline and released bus stop information Monday morning in an effort to avoid a repeat of the back-to-school busing issues seen on the first day of the 2023-24 school year.
Opening the two simultaneously gives families time to plan during the week leading up to the first day of school next Thursday, Aug. 7.
“We’re empowering families to prepare for August 7 so it can be a seamless first day for everyone,” JCPS Chief Operations Officer Dr. Rob Fulk said in a statement.
Families can now access their child’s transportation details through the Bus Teller, an online portal available at JCPSFirstDay.com. The tool allows parents to see their student’s bus number, stop location and estimated pick-up and drop-off times. District officials said the routing team is continuing to update the system daily to reflect changes in timing and logistics.
“If you're seeing something that doesn't feel right, you can give us a call,” said Rachel Scott, with JCPS. “We’ll walk you through how to log in and how to check the information.”
The 485-RIDE hotline is staffed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours may be extended depending on demand. On its first day, the hotline fielded more than 600 calls—triple the volume seen on the first day last year.
Scott said the district has received nearly 500 service tickets from families and has already resolved about 90% of them.
JCPS parent Keynonera Alvis said she’s already seeing the benefits of the hotline.
“I actually know exactly where to pick them up and what time I need to be there,” Alvis said. “If I need any information, I just call and they let me know. It stops the confusion.”
Nicole Williams, who works in JCPS' Student Relations and is also a parent, is among those answering phones at the call center.
“We understand the stress,” Williams said. “Some people don’t have internet access, or they’re not comfortable online. This gives them another option before school starts.”
This year, JCPS has more than 100 employees working the hotline, along with Spanish-speaking staff and interpreters to assist multilingual families.
Meanwhile, families who did not complete the Transportation Verification Form by June 13 may not have a bus stop assigned by the first day of school. JCPS is currently in a “freeze period” for route adjustments through Aug. 18 to allow drivers time to learn their routes. New requests will be processed after that date.
All families must complete the transportation form to indicate how their child will get to school—whether by bus, car, walking, or a Child Enrichment Program.
For more information, visit JCPSFirstDay.com or call 485-RIDE (7433).
Previous Coverage:
JCPS shares updated bus stops, staffing needs and budget outlook ahead of first day
JCPS bus finder, hotline opens Monday for Louisville families before first day of school
Back to school preparations underway across Louisville Catholic schools
JCPS hosting ‘Community Conversations’ with new superintendent Brian Yearwood
Kentuckiana's back-to-school guide for 2025-26 school year
JCPS spends part of $20M donation on billboard thanking outgoing superintendent
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