Transportation
Student transportation is an integral part of our educational system. The Madison Metropolitan School District strives to provide safe, efficient and economical transportation for all eligible students residing within school-district boundaries, under provisions of the appropriate Wisconsin State Statutes and Board of Education policy.
- YELLOW BUS SERVICE - The District contracts with First Student Inc. to provide yellow bus service to students. With the exception of select school staff providing support on some routes, yellow bus service drivers and other staff are not District employees and work directly for First Student Inc.
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MADISON METRO TRANSIT - The District does not generally provide transportation to high-school-aged students (grades nine through 12). Rather, the District and City of Madison work cooperatively to ensure that Madison Metro Transit routes are available to students as a primary means of transportation. Purchase a Pass from Madison Metro.
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Plan your trip and track your bus on Metro’s new Transit Tracker
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Eligibility by Grade
Bus Safety
Specialized Transport
- Specialized Transportation for Students Receiving Special Education Services
- Additional information regarding students receiving specialized transportation:
Specialized Transportation for Students Receiving Special Education Services
Additional information regarding students receiving specialized transportation:
Monitor Your Student's Yellow Bus with the FirstView App
FirstView, from First Student, allows families to both monitor the status and location of their students’ transportation in real-time, and receive notifications when their bus is close.
2024-25 Start & Dismissal Times
Elementary School - Routes are updated daily with the most current information. Please note, routes take 10-15 seconds to load after clicking on the link.
Middle School - Routes are updated daily with the most current information. Please note, routes take 10-15 seconds to load after clicking on the link.
High Schools - Metro Bus Supplemental School Routes - Now Updated
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if my child’s bus is late?
- How are yellow bus stops determined?
- How are “unusually hazardous zones” determined?
- Can my child be picked-up from or dropped-off at different stops on different days of the week?
- What is the drop-off procedure for students on yellow bus service in five-year-old kindergarten through eighth grade?
- My student is a Metro rider. What resources are available to them?
- How do I find out my child's bus route?
- What if my child leaves an item on the yellow bus?
- If I have a concern about my child's yellow bus or van driver, who do I contact?
- If I have a concern about a route or ride that is scheduled for my child who do I contact?
What should I do if my child’s bus is late?
How are yellow bus stops determined?
How are “unusually hazardous zones” determined?
Can my child be picked-up from or dropped-off at different stops on different days of the week?
What is the drop-off procedure for students on yellow bus service in five-year-old kindergarten through eighth grade?
My student is a Metro rider. What resources are available to them?
How do I find out my child's bus route?
What if my child leaves an item on the yellow bus?
If I have a concern about my child's yellow bus or van driver, who do I contact?
If I have a concern about a route or ride that is scheduled for my child who do I contact?
Transportation Contact Information
If you have questions regarding transportation, you may find that your student's teacher or school staff can help. If not, please feel free to contact the Transportation Coordinator responsible for the transportation mode provided by calling 608-663-5288.
First Student is our contracted carrier and can be reached by phone at:
- Before 5 pm: (608) 535-6350
- After 5 pm: (608) 535-6350
REGULAR BUS SERVICE: For questions regarding regular transportation (including 4K students), contact Jason Northouse or please send us a message Transportation MMSD.
SPECIALIZED/ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION: If your child receives specialized transportation based on his/her Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or receives other alternative transportation services, contact Cara Hanson or Laura Hauptli.
TRANSITION EDUCATION PROGRAM (TEP) TRANSPORTATION: If your child receives alternative transportation services related to TEP, contact Amanda Nagel.
MADISON METRO TRANSIT: If you have questions regarding Madison Metro Transit, they can be reached at (608) 266-4466.
TRANSPORTATION ISSUES, COMPLAINTS, FEEDBACK
MMSD is committed to providing our students and parents with the best customer service possible. If you have any issues, complaints, or other feedback, please contact the appropriate individual listed above or use our Let’s talk feature in RED to the right of the device's screen. You are also able to use the First Student feedback site by using the following link First Feedback. Your input is always welcome. If you have experienced an issue that presents an opportunity for us to improve, please provide us with specific details (e.g., date, approximate time, school, route, etc.)
ROUTES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE...Our bus company and school staff will communicate directly with impacted parents/students in advance.
ANY REQUESTS FOR CHANGES MUST BE MADE IN WRITING...Email your request to the Transportation Department.