Student Transportation Handbook for Students and Parents

Bus Registration 2026-2027 School Year

2026-2027 Hosmer Bus Registration

2026-2027 WMS Bus Registration

Timeline

All registrations received by June 22, 2026 will be processed by the WPS Business Office to determine the walking distance. Registrations that are received after June 22, 2026 will only be considered if space is available.

School Committee Seating Capacity for Fee Based In-District Transportation

In addition to students eligible for free transportation, the School Department administration will register students in grades K-8 for fee-based transportation services on the basis of greatest distance from the Hosmer Elementary School and the Watertown Middle School until such time as 90% of the capacity of the bus for each established route has been reached. The excess capacity will be reserved primarily for the purpose of accommodating registrations of new students moving into the school district who are eligible for free transportation. This is to ensure there will be no standees, a practice prohibited by this policy. The 90% capacity may be exceeded only if an agreement is signed by the student´s parent or guardian indicating the understanding that the student could be "bumped" if another student eligible for free transportation moves into the district. Any fee paid would be refunded on a pro-rated basis.   The School Department administration will establish the bus routes, stops and schedules annually based on final student registrations.

Fee Assistance

Families must annually apply for the school year need-based fee waiver by using this link. Please note that fee waivers do not affect eligibility or take priority over the distance determination.

School Bus Routes

Only students may board the bus. Parents/caregivers are never allowed on the bus.

Bus routes and scheduled pick-up times are reviewed each year and will be determined based on actual ridership. The routes will be posted on the WPS transportation page in mid August. All families whose student has a seat on the bus will also be sent the route information. 

MBTA for Students

Families with Middle School students and High School Students may sign up for reduced-fare Student Charlie Cards, valid on MBTA buses and subway. There are two types of Student Charlie Cards:

• Unlimited Pass: This pass offers students unlimited access to the MBTA bus and subway system at a cost of $30 per month. This pass must be paid in two installments: $150 for September through January, then $150 for February through June. Contact the WPS Transportation Office for information on use of this pass during the summer months. If payments are not made when due the card is shut off by the MBTA.

• Pay-As-You-Go Card: This card works like a prepaid charge card balance. Families can load money onto their passes at any MBTA kiosk. Funds are then deducted from the balance at a discounted student rate of 85¢ per bus ride and $1.10 per subway ride. There is no charge for families to obtain a pay-as-you-go card, but it will come loaded with $0 prepaid, so families are responsible for loading money onto their pay-as-you-go cards.

*The MBTA may change their fees at any time – WPS fees will change accordingly

Unlimited Pass can be paid for and picked up at the School Business Office at 30 Common Street Watertown, MA 02472, please email: wps_busing@watertown.k12.ma.us for more information.

Pay-As-You-Go Cards are available for pickup at both the Middle School and High School main offices. 

Contact If you have additional questions, please contact us at

wps_busing@watertown.k12.ma.us.