Children who live more than a mile from their elementary school automatically get assigned to a bus (which you do not have to use). In mid-August, you’ll receive in the mail your bus number, the time it will pick up your child each day, and the stop closest to your home. You can request an "alternative" stop for your child within your zone, if he/she needs to be picked up at a neighbor’s house before school, or dropped off at an after school program, etc. The BPS will approve your request if an existing bus travels near the stop you need and there’s room on that bus. Ask for an alternative transportation form at your Family Resource Center as soon as you know you’ll need it, since it can take two to three weeks to process the request.  Call the BPS Transportation Department at 617-635-9520 with any questions or concerns.