For those expecting to hitch a ride to prom in the old Volvo or join a limo group at the last minute, think again. This year, students must plan their transportation to prom through the school, due to its relatively remote location at San Francisco city hall. The date of prom night is also earlier, April 9, and the deadline for transportation forms is quickly approaching.

Because this site is outside the 20-mile radius of Paly, district policy requires that the school must provide buses to carry those who attend. The administration has also made arrangements for students to take luxury vehicles through Stanford Limousine.

“Instead of putting everyone on the same bus, we’re giving people the option of taking some kind of limo,” student activities director Joann Vaars said. “It’s a pretty good deal.”

Prom-attendees have two options: they can take a charter bus that leaves from Paly for only $20 per person, or they can pay extra for a limousine or party bus to pick them up at their desired location, Vaars said.

Though prom tickets do not go on sale until March 14, transportation forms with full payment are due by March 4. Prices range from $630 to $1050 for the night, carrying six to 32 passengers. For couples who would rather travel alone or with one other couple, Stanford also offers a sedan that holds two to four people.

“The reason we have these choices is because Stanford [Limousine] is following the rules… no drugs, no alcohol, and no tobacco,” Vaars said. “If any of that happens, they would turn around, because they want to keep their license.”

The district policy was formed to prevent drunk-driving, so Stanford chauffeurs will be taking extra precautions to ensure that everyone is safe.

“Our drivers are really strict,” said Office Manager of Stanford Limousine Deanna Dickinson. “They make sure there is no alcohol in the vehicles, or any drinking at all. Otherwise, their parents will be called and they will not be allowed to get back in the vehicle.”

Gunn High School has also used Stanford Limousine for prom transportation in the past. According to Gunn’s student activities director Nik Kaestner, Stanford organized everything smoothly and the majority of Gunn students chose the bus option.

“Everyone was on the bus,” Gunn junior Madeline Adamo said. “It was a really nice charter bus. When it’s a limo you only go with your friends, but on the bus you get to be with so many other people.”

Whatever mode of transportation students choose to take, they must fill out the order forms available in the Student Activities Office no later than March 4.

“Only the people on the transportation list will be allowed to buy tickets,” Vaars said. “No transportation, no ticket.”