Transportation

Safe and reliable transportation is an essential part of student achievement both during the school day and other school related activities. The Boston Public Schools Transportation Department is dedicated to student safety and education.

Specialized transportation eligibility is determined by the IEP or 504 team based on the student's documented needs. Students should receive all services, including transportation, in the least restrictive environment. Transportation eligibility is reviewed at a student's annual IEP or 504 meeting.

• The team shall determine necessary modifications, special equipment, assistance, need for qualified attendants on vehicles, and any other particular precautions required by the student and shall document such determinations in the student’s IEP. If specialized arrangements can be provided on regular transportation vehicles, the school-district shall make such arrangements.  (603. CMR 28.05 (b) (1)

Specific accommodations that support a student’s transportation needs may include:

• Bus Monitor
• Safety Restraints
• Corner to Corner
• Door to Door
• Wheelchair Accommodations

Reimbursement Procedure

If your student has transportation through their IEP and you have transported them to and from school due to a lack of transportation, you are entitled to seek mileage reimbursement at the prevailing state rate and/or taxi and rideshare costs for any trips between your home and the school. For example, if your student's bus did not pick up your student for school and/or your student’s bus was not available to transport them home after school, you are encouraged to seek mileage reimbursement.

To request reimbursement for transportation, please fill out the following Google form:
English | Español | اﻟﻌرﺑﯾﺔ | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

To complete the form, you will need the following:

• A City of Boston vendor account
  • If you do not yet have a City of Boston vendor account, please follow these instructions to
    create one: English | Español | اﻟﻌرﺑﯾﺔ | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt
  • If you do not have a social security number or tax identification number and are unable to
    obtain one, you may indicate that on the reimbursement request form.
• The specific dates you are requesting reimbursement for
• For mileage reimbursements:
  • The beginning and ending locations of the trip
  • The total mileage
  • Receipts for any tolls incurred
• For taxi / rideshare (Lyft / Uber) reimbursements:
  • A receipt showing the beginning and ending locations and the total amount paid

The rate of reimbursement will be based on the date of the trip as determined by the IRS:

• Before 7/01/2022 - $0.585 per mile
• 7/2/2022 - $0.625 per mile
• 1/1/2023 - $0.655 per mile

If you have any questions, you may contact the BPS Helpline at 617-635-8873 or via email at helpline@bostonpublicschools.org. The Helpline is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.