Milwaukee address
The student must have a City of Milwaukee address on file.
MPS TRANSPORTATION & BUS SERVICES
Bus information families can use.
MPS transports more than 35,000 students each school day. Use this guide to understand eligibility, safe stops, route changes, bus expectations, real-time tracking, and who to call when help is needed.
Transportation and dismissal changes must go through the school office.
Call Gaenslen at (414) 267-5700. A ParentSquare message to Mr. Acevedo does not authorize a bus, stop, or dismissal change. This ensures the office, transportation staff, and classroom all receive the same confirmed information.
WHO QUALIFIES?
Bus eligibility
To receive regular MPS bus service, a student must meet all three location requirements.
Outside the walk zone
For students attending a K–8 school, the walk zone is one mile. Middle and high school walk zones are two miles.
Inside the transportation zone
The student must live within the school’s transportation zone. The distance varies by school type.
Important eligibility notes
- This is a brief family summary; MPS determines eligibility under its current transportation rules and Board policy.
- Families outside a school’s transportation region may need to provide transportation or ask MPS about other school-assignment options.
- Students with disabilities and students experiencing homelessness may have individualized transportation supports. Contact the school for the correct process.
ROUTES & SAFE STOPS
How stops are assigned
MPS selects stops to reduce unsafe crossing, loading, and unloading on busy streets. Each rider is assigned to the closest safe corner for the address on file—often within three blocks.
Elementary students
Students in grades K3–5 may need to walk up to ¼ mile to a safe corner stop.
Grades 6–12
Middle and high school students may need to walk up to ½ mile to a safe corner stop.
Before school starts
Eligible students enrolled before the school year are assigned automatically. Bus information is generally sent by postcard and email about one week before school.
Your address controls the route
Routes are created from the home address recorded for the student. Keep your address, email, and other family information current in Campus Parent Portal so the correct route can be assigned.
AFTER SCHOOL BEGINS
Requesting a bus or stop change
Transportation requests made after the school year begins are handled through your child’s school.
- 1
Check your current information
Log in to Campus Parent Portal and review the transportation information listed for your child.
- 2
Call the school
Contact Gaenslen when your family moves, changes childcare providers, or needs transportation considered for an address other than the residence.
- 3
The school submits the request
School staff send the route-adjustment request electronically to transportation staff.
- 4
Wait for confirmation
The school notifies the family after processing. Bus changes take effect on Tuesdays and Fridays; continue using the confirmed plan until told the change is active.
PICKUP, DROPOFF & CONDUCT
Safe riding expectations
Be ready early
- Arrive at the assigned stop 10 minutes before pickup time.
- Use only the route and stop assigned to the student.
- If dropoff is more than 10 minutes late, call the bus company.
Young students must be met
- K3, K4, and K5 students must be met by a responsible adult, accompanied by a sibling, or—with caregiver permission—met or accompanied by a friend over age seven.
Respectful conduct
- Respect the driver, other riders, and the bus.
- Follow the MPS Parent/Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
- Report bullying or behavior concerns to school administration promptly.
Ridership is a privilege
- Drivers report misconduct but do not suspend students.
- Administrators or Transportation Services may suspend ridership temporarily or permanently.
- A bus suspension is not a school suspension; caregivers must arrange transportation during the bus suspension.
District rules control: This is only a family-friendly overview of safe riding. Read the current MPS Parent/Student Handbook ↗ for the controlling conduct, discipline, due-process, and transportation rules.
REAL-TIME BUS TRACKING
WheresTheBus
The free WheresTheBus app uses GPS to show a student’s bus location and updated arrival information, helping families wait safely and avoid spending unnecessary time outside in bad weather.
How to get and use WheresTheBusOpen for download instructions, Parent Portal requirements, and help contacts.+
Downloading the app
- Available for iOS/Apple and Android devices.
- The app can only be downloaded through Infinite Campus.
- Log in with your Campus Parent ID and password to access the download.
Need a Parent Portal account?
Bring a valid ID to either location:
- Your child’s school during regular school hours.
- MPS Central Services, 5225 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Having trouble?
- Campus Parent Portal: Contact the school or email parentportal@milwaukeepublicschools.org.
- WheresTheBus: Email busing@milwaukeepublicschools.org.
BUS, TAXI & VAN COMPANIES
Who do I call?
For a late pickup or dropoff, contact the company assigned to your child. If you do not know the company, call Gaenslen or MPS Transportation Services.
Gaenslen School Office
Route questions, change requests, or help identifying the carrier