Boston Public Schools Ends Yellow Bus Service for 7th and 8th Graders; Gives Them T Passes

In a recent communications to parents, Boston Public Schools had made a major change for school transportation effective this September. Yellow bus service to school is being discontinued for 7th and 8th graders. Instead, BPS students in those grades will receive T passes.  BPS has posted additional information about this on the web: http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/mbta including resources for parents and http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/2009 has information on their Safe Transportation Plan. An FAQ document can also be downloaded in pdf format here. The following message was sent this week to the North End / Waterfront Mothers Association (NEWMA) this week.

Good afternoon,
As you may have heard, Boston Public Schools has adopted a new transportation policy for the 2014-2015 school year. Seventh and eighth grade students (and any sixth graders who opt in) who would otherwise receive corner yellow bus service will now receive seven-day MBTA passes and utilize public transit to and from school.

We understand that this is a big change, and would like to hear from students, parents, and the community at large about how to make this transition as smooth and safe as possible. To facilitate the conversation, Boston Public Schools has partnered with the Engagement Lab at Emerson College to create Community PlanIt: BPS on the T, an online experience that will allow Bostonians to voice concerns, suggestions, and opinions on the new transportation policy. In addition to joining a citywide discussion about the policy, players will have the opportunity to vote on projects that may receive up to $1,000 to enhance students’ ability to arrive at school safely, and on time.

We are reaching out to you because of the important role that the North End/Waterfront Mothers’ Association plays in the local community. We invite you, members of your organization, and others in your network to participate in this process in the following ways:

· Join CommunityPlanIt: BPS on the T Starting one week from today, on June 9, this online “game” will consist of three missions, each lasting a week. These fun challenges offer players a chance to engage with neighbors, peers, students, and other members of the Boston community and discuss their thoughts about the BPS/MBTA transportation partnership. Register today.

· Spread the word: This change will impact many Boston residents, and we want to hear from all parts of the community. Your help in sharing this opportunity with others in the City is greatly appreciated!

· Learn more: visit bostonpublicschools.org/mbta to learn more about the new policy, CommunityPlanIt, and other available resources.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. BPS is excited about this opportunity to speak with members of the Boston community, and we hope you will be able to join us in this effort.
Best regards,
Beth

Beth Dowd
Boston Public Schools
Department of Transportation
edowd@bostonpublicschools.org