Some Boston students to lose access to bus transportation under new policy

Boston Public Schools (BPS) is introducing a new transportation policy designed to enhance the efficiency of its bus routes. Beginning in May, the policy will pause bus transportation for students who do not ride consistently, specifically those who miss ten consecutive school days without prior notification. This change is expected to affect around 1,000 students who have not utilized their bus assignments this year. School officials emphasize that this initiative will help optimize bus operations, which currently involve more than 22,000 students across over 200 schools. Upon reaching ten missed days, families will be notified and given a three-business-day window to indicate whether their child plans to return to riding.

Importantly, families can also opt back in later, and any opt-outs will carry over to the following year. BPS Transportation operates 640 buses, completing approximately 1,500 runs each morning and afternoon. This policy represents a significant shift in how the district manages student transportation.