Buses for Field Trips

To schedule your field trip, visit FieldTrip to access the online field trip request system. Please also visit FieldTrip for field trip changes, confirmations, or cancellations.

FieldTrip Training via MyPLN

MyPLN is available for all District staff, administrators, teachers, SAA’s and designees. No appointment necessary. Click here to obtain detailed FieldTrip MyPLN training information.

For assistance, job aids, and videos visit the FieldTrip Resources page.

Still need help?

Regarding Online System Issues
- Field Trip Team: [email protected]
Regarding Insurance/Pre-approved Sites/Policies
- Risk Management: [email protected] 213-241-0329
Regarding Bus Information
- Transportation Dispatch: 1-800-LA-BUSES or 1-800-522-8737
Regarding Athletics
- Athletics Office: [email protected] 213-241-5847
Regarding Funding Inquiries
- Transportation Accounting: [email protected] 213-580-2910

Alternative Trip Request for Multi-Day Trips and Non-School Requestors

An alternative to completing the application online is available for trips that meet the following parameters:

The trip takes place on multiple dates or will require pick-up for multiple schools (i.e., late buses, recurring trips).
The trip request will be submitted by non-school LAUSD staff or staff from a non-LAUSD organization.

To submit a bus field trip request that meets the above parameters, follow these steps:

Download and complete the appropriate hardcopy forms per the funding source of your trip:

The forms are available for download and for completion using Microsoft Word. To download a form, right click on a form and select "Save Target As...". Select a location to save the file to and click "Save".

For Student Body funded field trips or Reimbursable field trips download both:

Form 78.20R - Authorization for Payment

Form 78.20T - Application for Auxiliary Transportation

For trips funded with a District funding line download:

Form 78.20T - Application for Auxiliary Transportation

Scan and e-mail the hardcopy forms to [email protected].
You will receive an e-mail with a bus confirmation number.

Early Out Bus Requests

To request buses for shortened/minimum days, please notify your Area Bus Supervisor (ABS) of the dates and times for the requested buses at least two weeks (10 business days) in advance.

The ABS will review, and confirm, whether the requested buses are operationally possible. If possible, the ABS will provide you a cost estimate for the requested buses for your review.

After review, please provide your funding information (Step 8) on the Cost Estimate document for Accounting to confirm.

If you choose to use student body funds, please forward Form 78.20R - Authorization for Payment along with the Cost Estimate.

Either Transportation Accounting or the ABS (Area Bus Supervisor) will contact you if there are any issues with your request.

Should you have any questions or are unsure about your assigned ABS, please contact Transportation Accounting at (213) 580-2910.

As reference, review the following excerpts from Memorandums and Bulletins:

MEM-6015.8 and MEM-5788.11 School Site Professional Development Priorities and Banked Time Tuesdays “Schools will not be required to pay transportation costs for Banked time Tuesdays listed on the approved calendar schedule. Schools may be required to pay transportation costs for dates other than those listed on the approved schedule of dates when requested by the school.”
BUL-3979.0 Request for Approval of Minimum and Shortened Day Schedules – “Notify other individuals and offices at least two weeks in advance of the intended change in schedule.”

Charges for Field Trips

The cost of bus transportation for a field trip is based on the number of hours the bus is requested for. For round trips, the number of hours begins at the requested pick-up time and ends at the requested return time.

For one-way trips, the number of hours is twice the hours from the requested pick-up time to the requested arrival time. This is to cover the cost of returning the bus to its assigned location.

Service rates vary depending on when a field trip occurs and how far in advance the principal approval is provided prior to the trip. Refer to the table below for the schedule of rates.

Months When Trip Occurs	Weekday or Weekend Trip	*15 School Days or More Prior to Trip	*8 to 14 School Days Prior to Trip	*Less than 8 School Days Prior to Trip
August - March	Weekday	$65/hour	$85/hour	$98/hour
August - March	Weekend	$80/hour	$104/hour	$120/hour
April - June	Weekday	$78/hour	$104/hour	$130/hour
April - June	Weekend	$96/hour	$128/hour	$160/hour

*Principal Approval Provided

Field Trip Invoice Inquiries

Program funded trips:

Expenses are charged to commitment item 430091. Please note, invoices are not generated for "Program" funded trips. To view the expenditure(s), please review your budget.

Student Body/Reimbursable funded trips:

Invoices may be generated from six to eight weeks after the trip date. For ongoing trips, invoices may be generated six to eight weeks from the last trip date. If you would like to pay an invoice with a District funding line, complete the Field Trip Bus Invoice Payment and email it to [email protected].

If you have any questions regarding the invoice for your field trip, please email [email protected]

Additional Resources