For use by Aurora Public Schools employees
Revised 07/2023

Use of Multifunction School Activity Bus (MFSAB)

Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) have been officially designated as a class of school bus by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT).  The Aurora Public School (APS) District Transportation Department maintains a pool of MFSABs that are available primarily to transport students to events and activities sanctioned by the District other than route operations.  These buses are designed to carry 14 passengers and one driver.  Per DOT regulations, since these buses carry 15 or fewer passengers, including the Driver, they can be operated by a driver without a commercial driver’s license; however, MFSAB operators must be properly trained by the APS Transportation Department.  The use of MFSAB’s is governed by 1 Colorado Code of Regulations 301-25 and 301-26, Colorado Department of Education (CDE) rules and regulations applicable to student transportation, as well as the CDE Type A, Multifunction and Small Vehicle Route/Activity Operator Guide, and CDE School Bus Driver Training Manual.

Check Map to see if your trip requires a Mountain Trained MFSAB Driver Mountain Training Terrain Map

Activity Trip Operator

MFSABs are limited to use only by a qualified Activity Trip Operator with MFSAB training conducted by the APS Transportation Department.  Additionally, Activity Trip Operators must receive specialized training if they will be operating an MFSAB in the mountains.  APS schools/departments/organizations can request and schedule MFSAB training from the APS Transportation Department by contacting Mark Dissette at extension 28818 or Travis Brown at extension 28805. The upcoming training classes for 2023-24 school year will be held:

Upcoming MFSAB Classes

  • 1/17/2024
  • 2/14/2024
  • 3/13/2024
  • 4/17/2024
  • 5/15/2024
  • 6/12/2024
  • 7/17/2024
  • 8/14/2024
  • 9/11/2024
  • 10/16/2024
  • 11/13/2024
  • NO MFSAB CLASSES in December 2024
  • STAY TUNED! Other classes coming soon.

Upcoming Mountain MFSAB Classes

  • 1/24/2024
  • 2/21/2024
  • 3/27/2024
  • 5/22/2024
  • NO MOUNTAIN MFSAB CLASSES in June-July-August 2024
  • 9/25/2024
  • 10/30/2024
  • STAY TUNED! Other classes coming soon.

No parking on the West side of building. If lot is full, park on 1st Avenue behind the Ped. Sign.

Per CDE regulations, the following are minimum requirements for an Activity Trip Operator and the necessary paperwork required to sign up for a training course:

  1. Shall possess a valid Colorado operator's license.
  2. Shall be at least 21 years of age.
  3. All applicants must complete and submit the FORM 1: Permissions to Release Driver Record request in order for the Risk Management Dept. to pull the Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) for approval to operate an APS District Vehicle.
  4. You must submit the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) FORM 2: STU-17 Medical Information Questionnaire. If you answer yes to any question, you must have a Doctor's note clearing you to drive. Both Forms must be submitted to Mark Dissette at APS Transportation two weeks prior to the start of your class.
  5. Upon receipt of your Medical Information Questionnaire and approved MVR, you will be notified from APS Transportation that you are cleared to attend the course. You will receive this notification at least one week before the start of your class.
  6. You will receive and must pass MFSAB training from the APS Transportation Department.
  7. You will receive and must pass the CDE Small Vehicle / Multifunction Bus Operator Written Test from APS Transportation. This is the link to study for the written test: SMALL VEHICLE RULES AND REGULATIONS
  8. Please review First Aid/CPR informational link.
  9. Please review CDE Confidentiality PowerPoint.
  10. If you are taking the mountain class, please review: Mountain Driving Overview
  11. Shall complete specialized mountain training if operating the MFSAB in the mountains.
  12. Shall meet qualification standards and insurance coverage as required by APS.

Footnote: You will not be admitted to attend the scheduled class if you arrive 10 minutes or later than the class start time. You will need to re-schedule with the Training department for the next available class.

Responsibilities of Activity Trip Operators and the requesting School / Organization

  • Safety of all passengers/vehicle occupants will be the first priority of all Activity Trip Operators.
  • Understand and comply with the current edition and applicable provisions of 1 Colorado Code of Regulations 301-26, Colorado State Board of Education, Department of Education.
  • Scheduling of MFSAB(s) with the APS Department of Transportation for use as necessary.
  • Conduct vehicle pre-trip inspection. Report all defects to the APS Transportation Department Fleet Manager.
  • Brief all passengers on emergency evacuation procedures prior to departure.
  • Ensure that all luggage is secured in the luggage space and that all passengers are wearing seat belts if the vehicle is equipped.
  • Ensure passenger/student conduct is consistent with safe vehicle operating practices and CDE Regulations.
  • Clean and fuel the MFSAB prior to parking in the Transportation Department lot.
  • Park the MFSAB in designated parking spaces on the south side of the Transportation Department maintenance facility upon return.
  • Complete post-trip inspection; document any damage or vandalism.

Costs of MSFAB's

A fee of $25 per day and $0.49 per mile after the first 50 miles will be charged for MFSAB usage by the scheduling school/organization. Cleaning costs of $25 will be assessed if the bus is not properly cleaned after use. Additionally, costs will be assessed for vandalism or vehicle repairs that are not routine in nature. Examples include: brake repairs due to overheating on steep mountain grades, seat tears resulting from student vandalism, dented bumper due to the operator backing into a post, etc. Finally, the Activity Trip Operator is responsible for any tolls or fines imposed while driving the MFSAB or any district vehicle.

Last updated July 27, 2023