After School Transportation
Affordable, reliable bus rentals for your after school program
Providing a safe, exceptional experience to our student passengers is at the heart of everything we do at First Student. As North America's leading school transportation provider, we complete 5.5 million student journeys every school day. With our highly-trained, kid-friendly drivers and our commitment to safety, First Charter is your trusted transportation partner for your after school or other extracurricular activities programs.
Features & benefits of renting a school bus
50%
CHEAPER
First Student’s size and resources make renting a yellow school bus affordable for your after school program. The average school bus rental is up to 50% cheaper than renting a coach bus. Our average hourly rate starts at $85 USD or $100 CAD and is based on vehicle type, event size, location and timing.
45,000
BUSES
First Student Charter has over 400 locations in 41 states and 8 Canadian provinces. Our well-maintained fleet of over 45,000 buses are equipped with the newest technology to safely get your students to your destination.
100%
CUSTOMIZABLE
Our charter bus transportation services will align with your after school program needs. We’ll create a custom solution that is convenient and beneficial to you and your students.
10-72
GUESTS PER BUS
We’ve got you covered with flexible vehicle types, including accessibility options. Our standard yellow school buses can accommodate up to 72 children per bus. Bus sizes vary by location.
50,000+
trips per year
We provide more than 50,000 after school trips each year. Whether it’s transporting students to your local YMCA, Boys & Girls Club or athletic after school programs, providing unmatched care and the safest ride for our student passengers is our mission.
$10MM
Per-Trip Insurance
We go above and beyond industry standards with $10 million USD/CAD in liability coverage for every trip – double the minimum required by the USDOT ($5M USD) and more than triple Transport Canada’s standard ($3M CAD). Most companies only meet the minimum – we exceed it.
Customer reviews
FAQs
Who will be the bus driver(s) for my after school program?
The safety of your guests is our foremost priority. All First Charter drivers undergo thorough pre-employment screening. In the U.S., this includes a motor vehicle background check and DOT drug testing. In Canada, drivers complete a criminal and vulnerable sector check. Once hired, U.S. drivers receive annual random DOT drug tests, and Canadian drivers undergo regular vulnerable sector screenings. All drivers complete up to 47 hours of safety training, including the Smith System of Advanced Driving Techniques.
Can you accommodate all group sizes?
Yes! Regardless of your group size, First Student Charter is here to help you with your after school transportation needs. With over 45,000 flexible vehicle types and 400 locations in 41 states and 8 Canadian Provinces, First Student is North America’s largest and most trusted yellow school bus provider, completing more than 5.5 million student journeys every school day. Our standard yellow school buses can accommodate up to 72 children per bus.
How much does it cost to rent a yellow school bus?
We want to make the transportation for your after school program cost-effective. Our dedicated team will work with you on a custom payment plan. Our average hourly rate starts at $85 USD or $100 CAD and is based on vehicle type, event size, location and timing. The average school bus rental is up to 50% cheaper than renting a coach bus.
What if something happens the day of my trip?
We want the transportation of your after school program to be seamless. Leading up to the start of the trip, we provide you with detailed arrival and departure timelines. If something unexpected happens on the day of your trip, we provide all customers with a point of contact number that is available to support you.
How do I reserve a school bus for my after school program?
Booking the transportation for your after school program is quick and simple at First Student Charter. Get started today by submitting a free, no-obligation quote and our dedicated team will immediately get to work to help finalize all the details. We’ll work with you on a custom payment plan. Once you’re booked with us, enjoy a stress-free and safe transportation experience!