WORCESTER — For the second year in a row, Worcester Public Schools has put its bus routes in place well before the first day of school — releasing the 2025–26 schedules to families on Aug. 1.
“Our goal is to make the start of the school year as smooth as possible for families,” Acting Administrative Director of Transportation and Operations Mike Freeman said in the district’s announcement. “Early access to transportation details is key to helping families plan ahead.”
This year, WPS runs 104 bus routes — up from 101 last year — carrying nearly 12,000 students each school day. Freeman credited the district’s ability to be fully staffed with drivers to a “world-class training team,” a partnership with MassHire, new equipment, and what he called “a strong, positive workplace culture” that has kept turnover low.
Superintendent Brian E. Allen called the staffing milestone “a major achievement given national shortages,” noting that the district’s collaboration with the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board has been key.
The partnership helps recruit and train new drivers through programs like the Worcester Jobs Fund, which offers eligible residents free six-week training that includes the necessary school bus certifications. Graduates are ready for entry-level positions with competitive wages.
WPS also begins adding 20 new electric buses later this fall, after the school year begins, as part of a sustainability push. Charging stations are currently being installed.
Families can find their child’s bus stop and schedule via the WooEdu Parent/Caregiver or Student portals, both accessible at worcesterschools.org/buses.
The district, now in its fourth year of operating all transportation in-house, says the move has paid off: parent complaints about on-time performance have dropped 76% since the first year of the change, and annual transportation costs are down more than $5 million. The approach has also earned WPS both local and national awards.
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