Bus Routes Schedules, Changes Explained

As the first day of school approaches, parents across Woonsocket are getting last-minute supplies, and planning for the moment they will wave their children off for the start of new year in education. Woonsocket public school students will begin classes on Wednesday, August 31 and as parents work down their checklist in preparation, transportation becomes an important part of planning.

The for public school students was released this week and many parents have noticed changes to the city's stops and routes. If you're new to the city or just need a refresher on how student busing works in Woonsocket, the following guide can help. 

How come my child does not receive bus services?

Bus services in the city are offered to only a limited number of students, as determined by the child's age and distance from their school. Durham School Services provides transportation for elementary school students that live more than one mile from their school. The distance is raised to 1.75 miles for middle school students and 2.25 miles for high school students.

A bus stopped here last year. Why has the route changed?

According to Woonsocket's Director of Facilities, Transportation, and Security Peter Fontaine, "The only changes come about as a result of rollovers." If your child was a middle school student last year that has now moved on to the high school, both your distance from the school and the distance requirements have changed. 

"We also find people in the community that should not have received services, but did," explained Fontaine. Students that received bus transportation in error may need to secure new plans to get to school this Wednesday.

Does my child need a bus pass?

Bus passes will be issued to middle school and high school students once the year gets underway, but they will not be necessary at the start of the school year. Drivers will have lists of the students that are supposed to ride the bus, but fully expect changes as new students are added. Passes are generally not required for elementary school students.

Are there any special exceptions to the city's transportation policy?

The only exceptions to this policy are for medical problems. Fontaine reminds parents that all requests for medical exceptions must go through the school nurse. Exceptions are typically only granted to students with severe handicaps and students with lesser ailments such as asthma are typically not covered by the policy.

I still have questions.

Further questions regarding Woonsocket's bus schedule for the upcoming school year can be directed to Transportation Coordinator Debbie Mitchell at 767-4610.