Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What schools does Ride On Time & Co. shuttle service cover?

A: Ride On Time & Co currently provides shuttle transportation for students attending New Life Christian School, St. John’s Regional Catholic School, The Banner School, and Frederick Classical Charter School. We focus on serving families associated with these schools in the Frederick, MD area, ensuring convenient and reliable service tailored to each of these school communities. If you are requesting service for a school that is not listed here, please fill out the waitlist form and we will reach out to you. Please note we are an independent service and not hired by the schools we are currently servicing.  The schools were selected based on locations, early interest needs and a handful of other factors.

Q2: When does the shuttle operate?

A: Ride On Time & Co. shuttle runs every school day during the school year. We follow the published 2025–2026 school calendars for the schools, which means we operate on all regular school days and observe all school holidays and breaks. Importantly, we also adjust to early dismissal days – if a school closes early, our shuttle will pick students up at the early release time. (If school is closed for a scheduled holiday or due to inclement weather, the shuttle will not run that day, in line with the school closure.)

 Q3: Does the shuttle provide transportation for after-school activities or only during regular school hours?

A: At this time, Ride On Time & Co. shuttle covers regular school hours only. We offer round-trip pickup in the morning and drop-off after the standard school day ends and consistent one way pick ups. After-school activities (such as clubs, sports, or late pickups) are not yet included in our service. Our current focus is on ensuring safe, on-time transportation to and from school each day. (As we grow, we plan on expanding to support after-school programs, sports drop offs and the like, but for now, please plan alternate transportation for any activities that occur beyond normal dismissal times.)

Q4: Are your drivers background-checked and licensed?

A: Yes. All Ride On Time & Co. drivers undergo a comprehensive background check, including criminal history, sex offender check and driving record screening. In addition, our company holds equivalent state-level certification required for transporting school-age children. Safety and professionalism are our top priorities, and we ensure that our team reflects those values every day.

Q5: Do your vehicles have seat belts or child safety seats?

A: Absolutely. All Ride On Time & Co. vehicles are equipped with individual seat belts for every passenger. Booster seats will be made available for any child in which their parent indicates is currently using one in a family vehicle. We follow all applicable state safety regulations regarding child restraint systems. Students are expected to remain seated and buckled at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

Q6: What is your policy in case of emergencies or accidents?

A: In the event of an emergency or accident, our drivers follow a strict emergency response protocol which includes ensuring all children are safe, contacting emergency services if needed, and notifying our dispatch team immediately. Parents will be contacted directly as soon as possible with updates. All incidents are documented and reviewed to improve future safety practices.

Q7: How do you ensure student safety during the ride?

A: Safety is at the heart of everything we do. In addition to background-checked drivers and seatbelt-equipped vehicles, we use real-time GPS tracking, maintain strict pickup and drop-off protocols, and ensure consistent communication with families. Our routes are carefully planned to minimize time on the road and avoid high-traffic or high-risk areas whenever possible.

Q8: Are the drivers trained in CPR or first aid?

A: Yes. All of our drivers receive basic first aid training to ensure they are prepared to respond appropriately in case of a medical situation or emergency. Regular training updates help us maintain high standards of care and preparedness.

 Q9: How do I know my child is safe during the ride, and can I track the shuttle’s location?

A: Your child’s safety and your peace of mind are our top priorities. Every Ride On Time & Co shuttle is equipped with real-time GPS tracking, allowing you to monitor the exact location of your child’s shuttle at any time. You can check when the shuttle is nearing your pickup/drop-off point or if it’s running a few minutes late, which gives you added reassurance and up-to-the-minute information. This GPS feature means you’ll always know where your child is during their commute, providing peace of mind for parents and caregivers.

 Q10: Who do I contact if I have questions or need to communicate a change?

A: We maintain an active dispatch support line for enrolled families. Once your child is enrolled in the shuttle service, you will receive contact information for our dispatch team. You can reach out to dispatch with any additional details, urgent questions, or last-minute updates (for example, to alert the driver if your child will be absent on a given day). Our dispatch staff is friendly and responsive, and they’re there to help ensure smooth daily operations and clear communication with parents.

 Q11: How much does the service cost?

A: Ride On Time & Co. uses a simple subscription pricing model. The cost is a flat biweekly fee of $300 (covering two weeks of rides) per student, and it is billed monthly in advance. This means you’ll pay a consistent rate for the shuttle service every two weeks, but payments are collected monthly at the start of each month to cover the upcoming weeks. There are no surprise fees – just one straightforward rate that covers all your child’s daily rides to and from school. Additionally, we offer a 10% sibling discount for families with two or more students riding with us.

 Q12: Do you offer discounts for families with multiple children?

A: Yes. We understand family needs, and if you have more than one child using our shuttle, you’ll receive a 10% discount on the subscription fee for each additional sibling. This sibling discount is automatically applied when you enroll two or more students from the same, helping to reduce the overall cost for your family.

 Q13: How do we get started and sign up for the shuttle service?

A: Getting started is easy. Families begin by completing our online waitlist form (available on Ride On Time & Co website). Joining the waitlist lets us know you’re interested and allows us to contact you as soon as a spot opens up for your child. The waitlist is non committal and allows us to analyze the needs per school. Once a seat is available, we will reach out to you to walk through enrollment and finalize the details. After you’re enrolled, you will receive all the necessary information, including your shuttle schedule, billing details, and the dispatch contact information for any questions. We’re here to guide you through each step – from the waitlist to your child’s first day on the shuttle – making the process smooth and reassuring for you and your family.

Q14: What are your rules for student behavior on the shuttle?

 A: We want every ride to be safe, respectful, and calm. Students are expected to stay seated with their seat belts fastened, speak respectfully to others, and avoid any disruptive behavior. Repeated issues will be addressed with parents, and in rare cases, suspension from service may result if safety is at risk. We share our rider expectations clearly during enrollment to help set students up for success. 

Q15: What happens if my child misses the shuttle?

 A: If your child misses the shuttle, unfortunately, we are unable to return for a second pickup due to scheduling constraints. We encourage families to arrive at the designated pickup location (most likely the front door of your home) a few minutes early each day to ensure a smooth and timely departure. If your child will be absent, please notify dispatch in advance when possible.

 Q16: Do you allow food or drinks on board?

 A: For safety and cleanliness, we ask that students refrain from eating or drinking while on the shuttle. This helps prevent allergic reactions, choking hazards, and spills. Water bottles with secure lids are allowed. Exceptions may be made for medical needs — please let us know in advance if accommodations are required.

 Q17: Can parents or guardians ride along occasionally?

 A: To maintain safety, capacity, and consistency, parents and guardians are not permitted to ride along on the shuttle. Our vehicles are licensed for student transport only, and our drivers are trained to manage student passengers specifically. If you have special concerns, please reach out to dispatch to discuss options.

 Q18: Do you operate during bad weather or school closures?

 A: Ride On Time & Co. follows the school-specific closure decisions for each school we serve. If a school is closed or opens late due to inclement weather, our shuttle service will follow that schedule. We’ll notify parents promptly through our communication system and tracking app if any delays, cancellations, or early pickups are necessary due to weather or road conditions.

 Q19: Can I change my pickup/drop-off location temporarily?

A: Changes in pickup/drop-off location temporarily can be made 2 weeks in advance only and locations must still be within the zip codes that we service in Frederick County.  Changes in location will only be granted by the parent/guardian that is identified as main contact within the student’s profile in order to uphold our standards of safety.