Bus Routes & Transportation
The Transportation Department is responsible for daily bus operations, dispatching buses, fleet maintenance, safety, and driver training. Williamson County Schools currently has the eighth largest transportation fleet in the state of Tennessee. These units drive approximately 16,500 miles each day or over 2.9 million miles yearly just taking students to and from school. These miles do not include athletic trips, mid-day special education programs, field trips, or special summer programs. Williamson County Schools recognizes that the transportation of students is an essential part of our public education system, which requires the cooperation, and devoted efforts of many individuals. It is the goal of Williamson County Schools to provide eligible students the safest and most efficient transportation service in the country.
Transportation for students requiring special services is available for eligible students. Special services is determined at the student’s IEP meeting when the student cannot use regular bus service due to physical, health or behavioral needs. Services are requested through teachers, school administration, and the Student Support Services department. Upon written approval from SSS, the transportation department will assign the student to a bus. It is the goal to have bus assignment arranged approximately five (5) school days after the receipt of approved request by the SSS. Parents/guardians will be notified by the bus driver of the approximate pickup and drop off times.
Riding the Bus
All bus routes are scheduled for no longer than approximately 60 minutes from the first student pick-up to arrival at school. Buses typically arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to the school start time to ensure students are in the classroom ready for the instructional day to begin. Please arrive at the stop 5 minutes early. Pick-up and drop-off times are approximate and can vary due to factors outside our bus drivers’ control, such as traffic and weather. Bus stop times are subject to change.
Bus Hub Stop Program
Implementing hub stops is a way to reduce student ride time on school buses by reducing bus stops inside subdivisions. Buses still have several stops on the route, but the number of stops is reduced by using current stop locations, playgrounds, neighborhood pools, and walking path entrances. Only neighborhoods with safe walkability or neighborhoods with sidewalks are considered for this program. As a result of hub bus stops, buses return to the schools earlier in the afternoons to pick up students.
Hub stops are currently being used in the Nolensville area.
Three additional areas are being considered for hub stops:
- Hunters Bend Elementary, Grassland Middle, and Franklin High in the Fieldstone Farms area.
- Pearre Creek Elementary, Hillsboro Middle, and Independence High in the Barclay Place, Franklin Green, Spencer Hall, Tywater Crossing, Westhaven and Willow Springs neighborhoods.
- Creekside Elementary, Page Middle and Page High schools who reside in the Echelon, Ladd Park, St. Marlo and Terravista neighborhoods and the Page Middle and Page High families who reside in the Waters Edge neighborhood.
Community Meeting Powerpoint (HBES, GMS, FHS)
Bus App: Stopfinder
Williamson County Schools uses the bus app, Stopfinder. The app allows parents to have the most accurate information about your student’s bus schedule. Parents can easily view the stop location on the map, add another parent or caregiver to the account, and receive push notifications. Stopfinder will also allow communication directly with the WCS Transportation Department.
Families will receive an email invitation from Stopfinder to the email address currently on file with the district. Parents must first activate the subscription prior to downloading the free app. Refer to the Stopfinder Parent Guide to establish alert zones to know when the bus is close to your bus stop.