Transportation Department

Contact Us

During Peak Route Times
For non-emergency questions, please email transportation@solonboe.org so our team can stay focused on safely transporting students.

Transportation Department
(440) 349-6250

Department Contacts
Lisa Shirkey, Transportation Supervisor
LisaShirkey@solonboe.org

Sheri Machado, Routing and Dispatch
(440) 349-7939

Jennifer Ives, Secretary
(440) 349-8026

The Solon City Schools Transportation Department is committed to getting students to and from school safely and efficiently. Our team transports more than 3,800 students across 241 routes and more than 465,000 miles each school year.

Our drivers have earned top honors at the Ohio School Bus Road-eo, including multiple Spirit Awards and qualifications for state and international competitions. We’re proud to serve our families. Thank you for riding with us!

Information for Bus Riders

Solon Bus Route Information
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Pupil Transportation Requirements

Solon Bus Route Information

Solon Bus Routes

Bus routes are emailed to families directly with the route number, stop time and stop location. If you have questions, please email the Transportation Department at transportation@solonboe.org.

EXCEL TECC

Bus route information for students who ride to Solon High School to catch the shuttle to the Mayfield depot was sent directly to families by email.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Pupil Transportation Requirements

Q. I cannot see my child’s bus stop from the house. Are there state laws that set the standards for bus stop locations?

A. No law requires a parent to see the bus stop from home. Students in Ohio may be assigned to a bus stop up to one-half mile from their home, and we encourage parents to accompany their child to the bus stop whenever possible. This teaches the child safe habits of walking to and from the bus stop and may give the parent peace of mind. Bus stop locations are determined by each district’s board of education.

Q. Are sidewalks required for my child to get to his/her bus stop?

A. Many students walk alongside roadways to reach their bus stop and in some instances, no sidewalks exist. Issues relating to where a child’s bus stop is located and safety concerns along the way to the bus stop must be addressed with the district. If you have a concern about your child's stop, please the Solon Schools Transporation Department at 440-349-6250.

Q. I make my child wait inside of my house until the bus is at the stop. I have heard this is not allowed – is this true?

A. Ohio law requires children to be waiting at the bus stop prior to its arrival. Bus drivers count the students at the bus stop before they load and as they get on the bus to ensure all children are safely on board. If students are not waiting at the bus stop the bus driver cannot count them and cannot be certain the students are all safely on board.

Waiting at the bus stop before the bus arrives further ensures that no one chases after the bus – this is a very dangerous thing to do. Many districts also instruct their buses to not stop at locations where no students are waiting.

Transportation Request Forms

The Bus Transportation Opt-In and Day Care/Shared Parenting Request forms must be submitted annually. Please submit a new form and contact the Transportation Department if you need make changes mid-year. If you are new to the district and need bus transportation, please be sure to request transportation as soon as your child's enrollment is approved.

Bus Transportation Opt-In

Reserves your child's seat on the bus and ensures they're included in route planning. A new form must be submitted annually. New families should submit as soon as your child is officially enrolled.

Open 2025-26 form ↗ Open 2026-27 form ↗

Day Care / Shared Parenting Request

Required for before- or after-school day care transportation for students in grades K–6. A new form must be submitted annually. Note: A minimum of 5 students must travel to a provider for service to be offered.

Open 2025-26 form ↗ Open 2026-27 form ↗

Non-Public / Community Schools Opt-In

Complete this form to request district transportation to a non-public or community school. Submitting this form helps the district plan efficient routes and ensure transportation eligibility.

Open 2025-26 form ↗ Open 2026-27 form ↗

Transportation Impracticality Form

Complete this if the district has determined that transportation to your child's private or community school is impractical. Required to receive a payment in lieu of transportation services.

Open 2025-26 form ↗ Open 2026-27 form ↗

Getting to School Safely

The safety of students on our school buses is our top priority. State law requires very specific safety precautions by bus drivers, students and family members as they meet their child's bus each day.

For Bus Riders

All students are assigned and required to use a specific school bus stop with a designated place of safety.
Students should arrive at the designated place of safety for their bus stop 5 minutes prior to the scheduled bus arrival time.

Safety Tips for Families and Bus Riders

We are grateful for the partnership of families and community member in keeping bus riders safe. Please review these important safety tips:

Review the safety rules with their children and explain why the safety rules are important.
Dress children in light-colored clothing or jackets on dark mornings. Check clothing and backpacks for safety. Draw strings and key chains can catch on objects on the bus and create potential safety hazards.
Help children to be ready at the stop before the bus is due to arrive.
If necessary, take turns with friends and neighbors supervising children at bus stops.

Important Bus Safety Rules

Avoid the danger zone around the bus. The danger zone for a school bus is the entire area up to 10 feet around the bus. The two most dangerous places are the front of the bus and the right rear tire area.
Never try to pick up dropped objects near the bus. The bus driver may not be able to see you. If it is something important, let the bus driver know.
Remember that some motorists fail to stop for a stopped school bus.
Be careful getting on and off the bus.

Bus Warning Lights

Alternating flashing amber (yellow) lights are on to warn motorists that the bus is stopping to let students on or off the bus.
Alternating flashing red lights are on to warn motorists that the bus is stopped on the roadway to let students on or off the bus.
The STOP sign arm is engaged at the same time as the red flashing lights are turned on. A white flashing strobe light may also be used during unfavorable conditions or times of day that limit visibility, such as darkness, rain, fog and snow.
Four-way hazard lights are activated at all railroad crossings and turn-arounds.
The school bus will have its four-way hazard lights and backup light on when preparing to back onto a side street to turn around.
Motorists must use caution when they approach a bus in the process of completing a turn-around.

Bus Safety for Motorists

Drivers must know the signals and laws regarding school buses to help keep students safe.

Do not pass a school bus that has red alternating flashing lights. This is the signal that the bus is stopped to load or unload students. Traffic should not move until the bus resumes motion or the driver signals traffic to proceed.
When a bus has its alternating flashing amber lights on, it is preparing to stop to let students on or off the bus. Be ready to stop and watch for children in the roadway.

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In This Section

Transportation Department

Contact Us

Information for Bus Riders

Solon Bus Route Information

Solon Bus Routes

EXCEL TECC

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Pupil Transportation Requirements

Transportation Request Forms

Getting to School Safely

For Bus Riders

Safety Tips for Families and Bus Riders

Important Bus Safety Rules

Bus Warning Lights

Bus Safety for Motorists

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Links & Resources