AlphaRoute (New Enhancements)

Welcome to AlphaPortal — your new home for CMS bus tracking, arrival notifications, and transportation requests. We have an important update regarding how you track your student's bus.

Dear Parents & Families

As of June 11th, CMS will transition from Here Comes the Bus (HCTB) to an enhanced transportation experience through AlphaPortal. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, all bus tracking and student transportation updates will be available in AlphaPortal.

This enhancement brings everything together in one convenient place, making it easier to stay informed and manage your student’s transportation.

Welcome to AlphaPortal! See what's new and what you can do:

New features:

Live Bus Tracking
Arrival Notifications
Bus Substitution Updates
Route Alerts

Existing Features:

Ridership Request
Alternate Stop Request
Unsafe Stop Request
Transportation Assignment Overview

Here's how to get started:

Create your AlphaPortal Account (you can request transportation, alternate stops, and unsafe stops).
Add your student(s) to the account.
Download the AlphaPortal app beginning June 10 (iOS and Android) or access it via the secure website.
Live tracking and bus stop information will be available starting August 18.
Already have the app? Make sure it's updated to access all new features.

Helpful Resources

CMS AlphaPortal Poster - Transportation at Your Fingertips (PDF)

AlphaRoute Tutorial for School-based Staff:

Alpha School Desktop Tutorial

AlphaPortal Tutorial for Parents and Students:

Video Tutorials:

Step-by-Step Presentations:

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the CMS Transportation Department at Transportation@cms.k12.nc.us .