Student Handbook - Transportation
Transportation Program
Free transportation is provided to students in grades K-12 who live two (2) miles or more from their assigned school. The legal obligation of the School Committee is to provide transportation for elementary students The School Committee does have the right, if necessary, to charge fees or decline to provide transportation at the secondary level.
All eligible K-12 students must ride only their assigned bus to and from school and use their designated bus stop. Students will walk to common bus stops, and those in grades K-6 should be accompanied by a caregiver. The responsibility for escorting a child to and from the bus stop rests with the caregiver, especially where there are no sidewalks or other safety concerns.
Caregivers are responsible for supervision until the child boards the bus in the morning and after the child exits the bus in the afternoon. The school district assumes responsibility for the student only while they are on the bus.
Students must be at their bus stop at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Bus drivers will not stop if no student is visible at the stop. Kindergarten students will receive an identification tag to ensure they are not released without a caregiver present. If no caregiver is present, the student will be taken to North High School, and must be picked up by a caregiver.
Students who are assigned a school bus pass or RFID swipe pass through their school are expected to carry the pass with them at all times when riding the school bus and to display it to the driver for inspection or swipe the RFID reader if requested. Only students that are assigned to the bus and have a valid pass or RFID swipe pass will be permitted to ride the school bus.
Transportation eligibility is based solely on a student’s home address and is only provided between the assigned home bus stop and school. Temporary free transportation will be provided under the “open seat” policy that would allow a student, that is presented with a long-term safety hazard on the prescribed route, to occupy a seat if the capacity on the bus allows. The Transportation Department will not create a new bus stop; the student must get to an existing bus stop on their own. If for any reason, the seat is needed for a student that resides beyond two miles, the open seat option would be rescinded.
Additionally, transportation shall be provided at district expense for children whose Individualized Education Plan (IEP) requires such transportation or if a student has an approved 504 plan.
Busing Privileges
In view of the fact that a school bus is an extension of the classroom, the Worcester Public Schools shall require each student to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Code of Conduct and the Safety and Behavior Rules for Pupils Riding School Buses outlined in the student handbook. Bus drivers are responsible for maintaining order and will report misconduct to the school principal. The principal will notify caregivers and may suspend bus privileges for disciplinary issues. Caregivers must ensure alternative transportation if privileges are revoked.
Worcester Public Schools’ school buses may be equipped with cameras to create a video and audio record of each trip. This video and/or audio may be used to assist the school principal in determining what discipline, if any, is appropriate in cases of reported violations of safe riding practices. It may also be used as a tool to teach and reinforce safe riding practices for all students.
Safety is of primary importance. At the bus stops and on the school bus, students are expected to be well behaved and cooperative at all times.
Two Mile Limit
The two-mile limit is measured by the shortest walk route between the student's residence and the school’s entrance. Transportation is not provided to or from daycare locations.
Bus Stops and Routing
Students will walk to a common bus stop (no door-to-door service).
Stops are determined only by the Worcester Public Schools Transportation Department.
Caregivers must ensure their child is at the correct stop.
Unauthorized bus stop use will result in non-pickup.
Bus drivers cannot change bus stops.
Any stop change request should be submitted to the school, and the school will submit the request to the transportation router for approval.
School Bus Rules & Safety
To maintain a safe and orderly environment, students must follow these rules:
Only assigned students and staff may ride the bus unless approved by the Director of Transportation.
Be on time and ready at the designated stop.
At the bus stop:
Stay out of the street.
Respect private property.
Remain 10 feet away from the bus until it stops and the door opens.
Students issued a bus pass or RFID swipe card.
Bus passes must be displayed to the driver for inspection.
RFID swipe pass must be swiped to board the bus and swiped to exit the bus.
Ride only your assigned bus.
Sit promptly and remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Do not open or close windows or emergency doors unless instructed.
Prohibited behaviors:
Smoking or vaping.
Throwing objects inside or outside the bus.
Disturbing the driver or others.
Littering.
Loud or disruptive behavior.
Eating or drinking.
Bringing dangerous items.
Damaging the bus.
Remain silent when approaching railroad crossings
When exiting the bus, cross in front (10 feet away) and check for traffic.
In an emergency, stay on the bus unless directed otherwise.
Enter the school immediately upon arrival.
Bus Conduct Violations:
Drivers and monitors will report misconduct to school officials.
Violations may result in temporary or permanent loss of bus privileges.
Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right. Failure to follow these rules may result in disciplinary action, including suspension of transportation services.