define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); define('DISALLOW_FILE_MODS', true); Transportation – Williams PTO
April 30, 2024

Transportation

  • Please note: Bus applications should be mailed to the following address: Transportation Department
    Education Center, Newton Public Schools
    100 Walnut St.
    Newton, MA 02460 bus_transportation@newton.k12.ma.us IMPORTANT: If you are planning to pay with a credit card or checking account online through the NPS UniPay system (Click Here), you do NOT need to submit a paper application. Please visit the application page for more information. 

OVERVIEW

  • The Newton Public Schools transportation department is committed to ensuring students are transported safely to and from school. Whether students ride the bus, bike, or walk, students should be safe and well cared for as they travel to and from school.The NPS transportation system is complex as there are local, state, and federal regulations with which we must comply. On this website, you will find answers to the following important questions:
    • What are the transportation options for my child to get to and from school?
    • What are the key pieces of information I need to know before I begin the bus transportation application process?
    • What is the cost for my child to use the NPS bus transportation system?
    • What is the timeline for applications, payments, and bus pass receipt?
    You will also find the easily downloadable application forms, as well as links to pay any required fees online.Please see the links on the left side of this page for detailed information.Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our transportation department at the phone or emails listed on the right side of this page. 

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

  • Students in the Newton Public Schools typically arrive at school in one of three ways – walk, bike, or bus. In addition, some families choose to drive students to school. For more information on walking and biking to school, please visit this section. If your student will ride the bus, please visit our application section and our bus fee section. 

KEY INFORMATION

  • ALL students who ride the bus MUST have a bus pass. The bus pass allows NPS to track bus ridership to ensure adequate space at each stop and on each bus.Before you begin the bus application process, you MUST determine the distance from your residence to your assigned school. Please follow the link below to determine your distance:Type in your address and click enter. To the right of the school name, you will see your distance from the school. Here is what that number means:Elementary – If you reside MORE than .75 miles from your districted school, a bus application packet will be mailed to you during the summer. You can also download a copy or apply online via our UniPay payment system. If you reside LESS than .75 miles from your school, you will NOT receive an application. However, you may apply for a bus pass for your student if you identify an existing bus stop that suits your needs. Middle – If you reside MORE than 1.5 miles from your districted school, a bus application packet will be mailed to you during the summer. You can also download a copy or apply online via our UniPay payment system. If you reside LESS than 1.5 miles from your school, you will NOT receive an application. However, you may apply for a bus pass for your student if you identify an existing bus stop that suits your needs. High – If you reside MORE than 1.5 miles from your districted school, a bus application packet will be mailed to you during the summer. You can also download a copy or apply online via our UniPay payment system. If you reside LESS than 1.5 miles from your school, you will NOT receive an application. However, you may apply for a bus pass for your student if you identify an existing bus stop that suits your needs. A special note for our elementary students: Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade must be met at the bus stop by a responsible adult. For more information, please find the procedure here.

FEES AND PAYMENT

  • 2018-19 bus fees in the Newton Public Schools are as follows:
    • Kindergarten: 5th grade – No fee
    • 6th grade: See fee structure below*
    • 7th – 12th grade: $350/student. Family Cap = $700
    *Due to state law, our 6th grade students pay as follows: If you reside LESS than 2 miles from the school, you pay the fee of $350. If you reside MORE than 2 miles from the school, you do NOT pay a fee. To determine your distance from the school, please follow this link.Families may apply for a fee waiver based on financial hardship so that no student is denied bus transportation. To apply, please fill out the bus applicationand the financial assistance application. Both forms, as well as supporting documentation listed in the form, must be submitted hard copy in order to be considered.

CONTACT INFORMATION

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