If they are less than 2 miles they don't get a bus or if they live in a gated community. They can pay if they live closer than 2 miles.
From the Pearland ISD Transportation Dept
http://www.pearlandisd.org/Transportation/info.htm Eligibility and Bus Fees
Transportation is provided free of charge to students who live two miles or more from his/her zoned campus as measured by the nearest commonly traveled public road. Transportation is available for a fee to students who live within two miles of their zoned campus.
Bus Route Information
• All bus routes are designed to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible while still meeting the students’ needs.
• Where possible, stops are located such that students should walk no more than .5 mile to the nearest bus stop.
Gated Communities, Private Property, and Construction
• Pearland ISD buses are not permitted to operate on private property. Gated communities and apartment complexes are considered private property.