Student Transportation Services
Important Announcement
November 13-14, 2024
Due to the paving of Winter Street scheduled for 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on 11/13/24 and 11/14/24, bus stops on the following routes servicing the area noted on the map below will be moved to Malvern Street and Walton Street.
WHS: H102
Kennedy: K204
Dual Language: D300
MacArthur: M310
Our Lady's Academy: OL224
There will be a detail officer available to help direct parents and students to the temporary stop.
Temporary Bus Stop CHANGE TO Malvern St & Walton St @ 11/13 & 11/14
Message from the Waltham Police Department
The Waltham Police Department recognizes the frustration that accompanies the delays and detours that motorists must take in relation to the MWRA project on Lexington Street. With school back in session, we are urging all drivers to be more alert on the road to ensure the safety of students, motorists, pedestrians and all who use our roadways. Below are some factors to consider when operating your vehicle:
Slow down -Adhere to speed limits and be aware of the change in speed limits in school zone areas. By slowing down, you are doing your part in keeping others, as well as yourself, from getting hurt.
Eliminate distractions - Staying focused on the roadway is not only your responsibility, it's the law. Refrain from texting or using the phone while operating a vehicle. People often cross the road unexpectedly and may emerge suddenly from between parked vehicles. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for merely two seconds doubles your chances of crashing.
Reverse responsibly - Every vehicle has blind spots -Check for people who may be around your vehicle, on the sidewalk or driveway before slowly backing up. Keep your radio at a volume that allows you to hear other vehicle horns or voices that may be trying to alert you.
Come to a complete stop - Research demonstrates that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones and neighborhoods. Always bring your vehicle to a complete stop, checking carefully for people on sidewalks and in crosswalks, before proceeding.
Watch for bicycles -Bicyclists may be inexperienced, unsteady, and unpredictable. More importantly, they may not be aware of approaching vehicles. Slow down and allow at least four feet of passing distance between your vehicle and the bicycle.
The Waltham Police Department is committed to the safety of our students and residents. By following these suggestions and obeying all the rules of the road, you are doing your part in keeping our roadways safe. We will be enforcing traffic laws in the area throughout the school year and appreciate your cooperation in maintaining public safety.
Thank you!
Welcome to the Transportation Office
Our prime concern in creating routes and bus stops is to provide safe and efficient transportation for the school community. Central Office is responsible for the day-to-day functions and administration of all school bus services. Bus routes are based on student enrollment and eligibility and may vary each school year. Students are assigned to bus stops as determined by their residence and in order to ensure accountability for all our students, assigned buses and stops must be strictly adhered to. It is the district's practice that bus arrangements for eligible students are managed at the school building level and must be followed as the safety and security of our students is of utmost importance. Additional information is published in the Student Handbooks.
How will my student get to and from school?
Per Waltham School Committee policy, school bus transportation will be provided for students as follows:
Grades K - 8: Students living more than one and one-half miles from school.
Grades 9 - 12: Students living more than two miles from school.
If a student’s home to school distance falls below the transportation eligibility limits presented above, the student will be identified as a ‘walker’. The safety of our walking students is a top priority; therefore School Traffic Supervisors are located in areas determined by the Waltham Police Department in conjunction with the School Safety Officer and school principals. In order to ensure the safety of our walking students, School Traffic Supervisors are assigned at the locations designated and can be found here: School Traffic Supervisors Post Locations.
Our intention is to promote a safe environment for all students and staff while riding the bus to and from school. Parents and guardians are expected to provide age-appropriate supervision for their student(s) at the bus stop. Students waiting for, transported on, or leaving the school bus, are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with proper rules of conduct.
In order to protect the health and wellbeing of all our students we must all work together to ensure students are transported to and from school safely, along with bus drivers and monitors.
Please review the following information and contact the Transportation Office if you have any questions.
Eating and drinking are not allowed on buses.
Only authorized school staff are permitted to enter a school bus.
Kindergarten, grade 1, and grade 2 students must be accompanied by an adult at pick up and drop off times.
Capacity on large buses: 77 passengers; small buses: 28 passengers.
Elementary School students may sit 3 to a bench.
Middle and High School students sit 2 to a bench.
If you have any questions, please refer to the Transportation Frequently Asked Questions below.
If you don't find what you are looking for, please contact: transportation@walthampublicschools.org / 781-314-5422.
MBTA Student Pass Program
MBTA Student Pass Request
The school bus is considered an extension of the classroom. Due to allergies and other health concerns, eating or drinking is NOT ALLOWED on the bus. If your child has a medical condition, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide a School Bus Emergency Medical form with an action plan for the student to the bus driver.
School Bus Emergency Medical Information.pdf
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
WPS 2024-2025 School Bus Routes-Updated 9/23/24
Please continue to visit this page for the most recent route information as All Bus Routes are Subject to Change due to factors including student enrollment, roadway conditions, and ridership times.
Transportation Vendors
Eastern Bus Company
215 Lexington Street
(781) 790-0878
JSC Transportation Services
(978) 600-5720
Call the vendors for items left on vehicles.
School Traffic Supervisors
2024-2025 Post Locations
We are proud to partner with Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (SRTS) for all our elementary, middle, and high schools. The SRTS Program aims to increase safe biking and walking for students by focusing on both health and transportation. Their approach is community-driven and collaborative, ensuring comprehensive support for safe travel.
The program is built on six key principles:
Education
Encouragement
Engagement
Evaluation
Engineering
Equity
Join us in promoting safer, healthier travel for our students!
Northeast Elementary School
Safe Routes to School Arrival & Dismissal Circulation Plan
