Effective immediately: The Loop Bus Policy and Procedures have changed. Please click here for a link to the updated Loop Bus Policy. Updates to the Loop Bus request process and Loop Bus usage are outlined below.
The LOOP Bus provides at-risk youth with free transportation to free activities that connect them to mentoring and gang prevention programs throughout Tulare County. The program is funded by Measure R and the Tulare County Board of Supervisors.
Please take a moment to read over the following Loop Bus Policies as they have recently changed. For questions regarding this policy, please contact Loop Bus staff at 559-624-8074 or jojimene@tularecounty.ca.gov
Four (4) Week Request Requirement:
Completed applications must be received no later than four (4) weeks before the requested service dates to ensure adequate time for processing, scheduling, and required route planning. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Request Process:
Requests to use the Loop Bus must be submitted via the online request application. Organizations may only request one Loop Bus trip per application.
Requesting organizations must demonstrate in the application that the youth being transported on the Loop Bus are at-risk. Please review the policy (link here) for accepted definitions of at-risk youth.
MV Transit will send a confirmation via email once the route is accepted. Please be sure to provide a valid e-mail address that is checked regularly and a valid phone number for confirmation purposes and questions regarding submitted applications. No route is finalized until the organization is in receipt of that email confirmation.
Changes / Cancellations:
Loop Bus trips must be cancelled with at least least two (2) weeks advance notice from the requested date of service.
Any changes to confirmed Loop Bus trips must be made at least two (2) weeks ahead of the requested date of service. Changes include: pick up or drop off location changes, changes to the pick up or return trip time, adding or deleting stops to routes, etc.
No Shows:
A trip will be considered a no show if it is not cancelled within two weeks of the requested date of service.
A trip will be considered a no show if the passengers are not at the pick-up or return trip location within ten minutes of the requested pick up time.
A site will be notified of their No Show status by an e-mail sent from Loop Bus Transit staff. The first no-show will cause the Loop Bus Transit staff to issue a written warning to the applicant. If a site has two no shows within a three month floating period, the site will be temporarily suspended from using the Loop Bus service for six (6) months.
Please note: the No Show policy is site specific, not organization-wide.
Hours of Operation:
The Loop Bus may be requested for use within the following hours of operation; however, during the academic school year, the Loop Bus may not be used during normal school instructional hours:
Weekdays - 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Weekend - 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
NOTE: There will not be service on the following holidays: New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. The following holidays will operate on Sunday-level service: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Veteran's Day, the day after Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve.
Destination Limitations:
The Loop Bus may not travel to destinations about 2,000-foot elevation. The Loop Bus may not travel to destinations outside of Tulare County.
School District Usage:
School Districts are prohibited from using the Loop Bus service for school-related events, including, but not limited to: after-school programming, transportation of school sports teams to games or music programs to festivals or concerts. School Districts may be permitted to use the Loop Bus for community events. These events will be evaluated on a case by case basis by staff.
First Amendment Clause:
In order to comply with the U.S. and CA constitutions, the Loop Bus may not be used to transport persons to religious activities, including, but not limited to: activities whose sole intent consists of prayer, religious instructions, and/or proselytism.
Overnight Trips:
Overnight trips will not be permitted. Pick Up and Drop Off must be on the same date.
Rider Minimum and Maximum:
There are three (3) buses in the Loop Bus fleet. Loop Buses are wheel chair accessible. If your trip requires wheel chair assistance, please call Loop Bus Staff for more information at 559-624-8074.
Trips shall have at least twelve (12) passengers.
Organizations may not request more than one (1) bus per request. If an organization has a need to transport less than the minimum number or more than one (1) bus, special consideration will be given but will be approved on a case by case basis by staff.
Preference for Step Up events:
In order to support Step Up programming, the Loop Bus will give preference to Step Up related events and organizations; including, but not limited to: Youth Challenge, Summer Night Lights, and organizations that are currently receiving Youth Activities Grant funding.
Chaperone Policy:
Chaperones are required to be present on the Loop Bus at all times. Chaperone contact information will be gathered at the time of the request. One (1) chaperone is required for every twenty (20) students.
Consent Form Responsibility:
The applicant is responsible for the consent and emergency information forms that are required to ride the LOOP Bus. Click here to be able to download form.
Advance reservations:
LOOP Bus reservations can be placed up to three (3) months in advance of service request date.
The County of Tulare can terminate services, without cause, up to five (5) business days prior to service if the applicant fails to meet obligations.