Student transportation in Montana: FAQ for district transportation leaders
Answers to common questions from Montana transportation directors, with a link to the official source for every answer. Updated November 2026. State rules change, so confirm details with the Montana Office of Public Instruction before you act on them.
How does Montana reimburse school transportation?
Montana reimburses approved bus routes for each bus mile traveled, at rates set by seating capacity. The schedule runs from $0.95 a mile for a bus with 49 or fewer seats to $1.80 a mile for 80 or more, with $0.50 a mile for small district vehicles that carry 10 or fewer. Accurate miles for every route keep each claim matched to the work your buses do.
Source: MCA 20-10-141
Who pays the reimbursement?
The state pays three-fourths of the on-schedule amount, or half of the district's transportation fund budget if that is smaller. The county pays one-third of the state's payment. Costs above the schedule come from the district's transportation fund.
Sources: MCA 20-10-145 and MCA 20-10-146
Who approves bus routes?
The county transportation committee approves, disapproves or adjusts the bus routes each district's trustees submit. Reimbursable routes are also approved by the superintendent of public instruction.
Sources: MCA 20-10-132 and MCA 20-10-141
Which students are eligible, and can districts pay families to drive?
A student who lives at least 3 mi from the nearest operating public school is an eligible transportee, as is a student whose IEP includes transportation. Districts can also use individual transportation, which can include paying a parent or guardian to drive the student.
Source: MCA 20-10-101
Can private school students ride?
A nonpublic school student may ride with a permit from the operating district when a seat is available, and the trustees may charge a share of the bus's operating cost.
Source: MCA 20-10-123
What does it take to drive a school bus in Montana?
A driver must be at least 18 and hold a commercial driver's license for a bus that carries more than 10 passengers. Drivers file a medical exam report with the district and hold a basic first aid certificate.
Source: MCA 20-10-103
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