Edmonton parents are contending with a sharp rise in yellow bus fees as kids head back to school.
Starting in September, both Edmonton Public and Edmonton Catholic Schools will charge $70 per month per student—up from $50 last year.
To qualify for yellow bus service in Alberta, kindergarten to Grade 6 students must live at least 1.6 km from their designated school; the distance rises to 2 km for Grades 7-12.
Government grants cover about 75% of operating costs, with school boards and parents making up the rest.
Edmonton Public Schools plans a further increase to $90 per month in 2027-28.
Edmonton Catholic trustees noted that yellow bus costs have risen 52% over five years while funding grew only 30%; they chose higher fees over dipping into classroom budgets and will review the schedule this fall.
In the Black Gold School Division, fees are $90 per year with a $225 family cap.
Education ministry spokesman Garrett Koehler said local boards set fees and service levels under their policies and may only recover actual costs.
Meanwhile, ETS student passes remain $60 per month.
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