REGISTRATION INFORMATION 2026-27:

Use this link to apply for Accessible Thirdwave Busing: LINK

The 2026-27 Accessible Busing/Regular School Buses & BC Transit On-line Application Process will take place during the following dates:

• Regular Program Busing and BC Transit – Monday February 9, 2026 (9:00 am) to Thursday March 12, 2026 (5:00 pm)
• Accessible Thirdwave Busing – Friday March 13, 2026 (9:00 am) to Friday April 10, 2026 (5:00 pm)
• S.J. Burnside Alternative/Link at Lambrick – Friday August 28, 2026 (9:00 am) to Friday September 25, 2026 (5:00 pm)

As of August 2025 we are no longer able to accommodate requests for Thirdwave accessible bussing for the 2025-2026 school year as we are at capacity with our available buses and drivers. We will be reviewing our existing eligibility criteria for this service during the 2025-2026 school year.

You can still apply for regular program transportation for the 2025-2026 school year via email.  Please provide your home address, student name(s), school, and the type of service requested (regular program busing or BC Transit).  See Eligibility Guidelines for New Applicants below. PLEASE EMAIL ALL INQUIRIES TO THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT: transportation@sd61.bc.ca

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR NEW APPLICANTS:

REGULAR TRANSPORTATION

• Students must be attending their English catchment school and;
• Students must live beyond the School District walk limits:
  • 4 km for elementary school
  • 4.8 km for middle and high schools

• Students eligible for City of Victoria free BC Transit are not eligible for SD61 BC Transit passes
• Students attending a “school of choice” due to enrollment in a special program or French Immersion do not qualify for District Transportation or SD61 BC Transit passes

UPDATED ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION

While we acknowledge that a few students will require transportation support throughout their K-12 educational journey, the Greater Victoria School District believes that with time and support, most students can build independence with accessing transportation.

Accessible transportation criteria has been updated to the following:

1. Student has a ministry designation or identified disability (not yet designated), AND
2. Student attends English catchment school or a District supported placement, AND
3. Student faces significant transportation barriers and is not able to safely walk or take public transit to their English catchment school or District supported placement.

Important Notes:

• A detailed description of the significant transportation barriers must be included in the application
• Existing Thirdwave riders MUST register annually to maintain service
• All pickup and drop off locations must be within catchment area
• All late applicants who meet criteria will be placed on a waitlist
• All applications will be reviewed, and approval for accessible busing will be confirmed by June 30, 2026.

2026-27 Accessible Busing Application Window opens March 14, 2026 and closes April 10, 2026

To check your English catchment school:  School Locator 

REGULAR PROGRAM ROUTES/MAPS:

To view regular program routes:  https://bit.ly/sd61-busing

Transportation Calendar

• Non Instructional Days
• Early Dismissals for Bussing
• Statutory Holidays/Winter and Spring breaks