Franklin Schools unveil transportation reorganization and new registration process

The Franklin Public Schools School Committee meeting held on March 11, 2025, focused primarily on updates regarding the transportation department's reorganization and upcoming changes for the 2024-2025 school year. The presentation outlined the scope of services provided by the transportation department, which includes transporting students to and from school, field trips, and athletic events, utilizing a contracted service with Holmes Transportation.

Currently, the transportation department serves 2,466 students across 56 routes with 28 buses, stopping at 838 bus stops. The reorganization will impact elementary and middle school attendance areas, reducing the number of schools served and adjusting routes to improve efficiency. Notably, the high school is not expected to see major changes in its transportation services.

Key factors influencing route development include safety, regulatory policies, traffic flow, and bus capacity. The district anticipates an increase in ridership, projecting that 60% of elementary students, 69% of middle school students, and 38% of high school students will utilize bus services next year. This increase is expected to result in a net reduction of two buses needed for the upcoming year, while maintaining similar ride times.

A significant change in the registration process will transition to the LinkConnect system, which aims to streamline registration and payment for families. This system will allow parents to manage their transportation needs in one portal, enhancing communication and efficiency.

The meeting concluded with a timeline for the registration process, starting in April and culminating in route publication in August. The committee emphasized the importance of timely registration to facilitate effective route planning and minimize traffic congestion during peak school hours. Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's commitment to improving transportation services while addressing community needs and safety considerations.