Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas County Schools the same as Dallas Independent School District?

No. Dallas Independent School District is one of the 14 school districts in Dallas County.  Dallas County Schools serves all 14 districts. Our divisions of services include media, psychology, technology and transportation. Like an independent school district, we have a Board of Trustees and we receive tax income; yet, we have no school buildings, teachers, or students.

Why don't school buses have seatbelts?

According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, school transportation is one of the safest forms of transportation in the United States. This is because of a concept called "compartmentalization." Utilizing this concept, occupants are provided crash protection by a protective envelope consisting of strong, closely-spaced seats that have energy-absorbing seat backs. School buses are also heavier, experience less crash forces and distribute crash forces differently than passenger cars and light trucks. Because of this, the crash force experienced by school bus passengers is much less than that experienced by occupants of passenger cars, light trucks, or vans. Federal regulations require occupant restraints in motor vehicles based on the vehicle type and size. In addition to large buses, Dallas County Schools also transports children using mini buses. Although these buses also have the benefit of compartmentalization, their size and weight is closer to that of a passenger car or truck, so they are all equipped with seat belts. Dallas County Schools is committed to providing the safest method of transportation possible for the students of Dallas County and we are continuously researching ways to improve the safety of our fleet. For further information you can check out the NHTSA web site http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/buses/pub/seatbelt.hmp.html

What do I do if I have a question, compliment or concern about Dallas County Schools transportation?

Dallas County Schools has had a Transportation Hotline in place since 1997. Questions, compliments and concerns about our transportation services are entered into our computer system and immediately forwarded to the correct person for response. You may leave your name and number if you would like a call back or you may choose to remain anonymous. If you are calling about a Dallas County Schools bus, important information to note is:

  • The bus number
  • The time and date of the incident
  • The location of the incident
  • The speed the bus was traveling
  • The posted speed
  • If there were children on the bus

Because we receive a number of anonymous calls about our services, our hotline message indicates that it is imperative and/or absolutely necessary to leave a name and number on hotline complaints.

Dallas County Schools welcomes all calls.
The hotline number is (214) 944-4511