Whiteaker Middle School

A small change is coming to the bus routing system in Salem-Keizer.  At the start of the next school year, students who ride the bus will need to know their Route Number (RT#).  Bus numbers (the numbers painted on each side of all school buses) will no longer be used to identify the bus a student rides to get to and from school.  Bus numbers will remain on the buses, but the route number is the one to know.

The RT# will be shown on a placard to the left of the door on all large buses.

Switching to the RT# system means more flexibility in assigning vehicles to routes.  The result is less time to determine routes, which means fall bus route information will be available earlier in the summer than in years past.

To find a student’s RT#, parents and students can use the same tools they have always used. The district website (www.salemkeizer.org), school offices, and the annual Transportation School Bus Schedule mailer will all list RT#s in place of bus numbers. Parents will receive the Transportation School Bus Schedule mailer in August.

In addition, an online routing tool will be available in mid-June at www.salemkeizer.org/content/transportation/bus-routes. The online tool allows parents and students to enter the residence address and find their neighborhood school along with their transportation eligibility status.  In early August, the tool will also allow parents and students to find their route number and closest bus stop. 

There is one exception to the RT# switch:  Special program buses will continue to use the Bus Number to denote the vehicle providing service.

For more information about the RT# system or questions, please contact Transportation Services at 503-399-3100.