Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we prepare for the start of the school year, there are several important transportation updates we need families to be aware of. If your student uses district transportation, please take a few minutes to carefully review the information below. Several routes, bus assignments, stops, and transportation procedures have changed.
If you have not yet completed the transportation information in FinalForms, please do so as soon as possible. TODAY, August 21, 2026 is the deadline to guarantee a bus assignment for the beginning of the school year. We need this information to ensure transportation is in place for your student on the first day of school.
1. Transition from BusRight to EZRouting
We are transitioning from BusRight to EZRouting for our transportation routing system. This change is being made to provide a transportation system that is safer, more efficient, and more accurate for our students, families, and transportation staff. EZRouting should also provide a more user-friendly parent app, making it easier for families to access important information about their student’s transportation.
We are currently finalizing the parent app setup. Instructions for parent access will be provided once that process is complete.
2. Bus Route Information
Several of our bus routes have been adjusted for the upcoming school year. Some students have been assigned to a completely different bus than they rode previously.
Please check your FinalForms transportation page to locate your child’s bus number. To help you determine what time your child should be ready, we have included a list of the bus routes and approximate times: 26-27 New Bus Routes
Please remember that bus pick-up times are approximate. Students should be ready and waiting at their bus stop at least 5 minutes before their scheduled pick-up time.
For example, if your scheduled pick-up time is 7:15 AM, your child should be at the bus stop by 7:10 AM. Once the EZRouting parent app is available, real-time bus tracking will help families better anticipate when the bus is approaching.
Taking a few minutes to review this information ahead of time will help avoid confusion during the first days of school.
3. New Walking Zone and Shuttle Changes
This school year, we are introducing a new Walking Zone. Students who live within the designated Walking Zone will be expected to walk to and from school rather than receive regular bus transportation.
With the introduction of the Walking Zone, there will also be changes to our shuttle transportation. Families who have previously utilized a shuttle should carefully review their student’s transportation information, as previous shuttle arrangements may have changed.
4. School of Choice Transportation
It is especially important that our School of Choice (SOC) families use the designated SOC bus stops listed below.
Our SOC stops are how we are able to provide transportation to students who live outside of the district. Shuttle service cannot be guaranteed for School of Choice students, so SOC families should plan to use one of the designated stops assigned to their student’s route.
Please review these locations carefully and make transportation arrangements before the first day of school.
Bus 1
Corner of County Line Road and Shar Sue Drive - 6:51 AM
Corner of Dwight Boyer Road and Huckaba Lane - 6:53 AM
9082 48th Avenue - 7:14 AM
Bus 2
No School of Choice stops. Route begins at 6:59 am on Forest Beach Rd.
Bus 5
Marathon Gas Station at the corner of Napier Avenue and M-140 - 7:01 AM
Bainbridge Township Hall - 7:08 AM
Bus 6
Territorial Road and Nichols Road (AM) - 6:54 AM (Mornings only)
Napier Avenue and Nichols Road (PM) - 3:32 PM
Territorial Road and County Line Road - 6:57 AM
County Line Road and 66th Avenue - 7:10 AM
Bus 7
No School of Choice stops. Route begins at 6:45 AM on Danneffel Rd
Bus 9
Meadowbrook Road - 7:01 AM
Bus 10
Corner of Paw Paw Lake Road and Hagar Shore Road - 7:01 AM
Free Methodist Church on Paw Paw Avenue - 7:20 AM
School of Choice families should make sure they know which bus and designated SOC stop their student will be using before the first day of school. This information must be entered on your child’s FinalForms Transportation Form for your child to be placed on a bus. (Deadline: 8/21/2026)
5. Pleasant View Estates – Bus 5 and Bus 7
The Pleasant View Estates stop will now be split between Bus 5 and Bus 7 based on grade level:
Bus 5: Elementary students only - Bus time 7:20 AM
Bus 7: Middle School and High School students only - Bus time 7:22 AM
Families with multiple students should be especially mindful of this change, as siblings attending different school levels may now ride different buses.
6. Thomas Drive Stop – New Location
One of our most significant stop changes involves the Thomas Drive bus stop.
The stop will no longer be located on the Hennessey Road side. The Thomas Drive stop has been moved to the Red Arrow Highway side.
Please make sure your student is aware of this new location before the first day of transportation. Families who use this stop should plan accordingly and should not report to the previous Hennessey Road location.
We know there are several changes this year, and we appreciate everyone taking the time to review their transportation information before school begins. These changes are being made to help us provide safe and efficient transportation for as many students as possible.
Please check your FinalForms transportation page to locate your child’s bus number before school starts.
If you have questions after reviewing your student’s transportation information, please contact the Transportation Department.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we get the school year started.
Alan Berget
Director of Transportation, Maintenance & Operations
Watervliet Public Schools
450 E Red Arrow Hwy
Watervliet Mi 49098
Office: 269-463-0720
Kathy Litaker, Transportation Coordinator & Maintenance Secretary
Office: 269-463-0739Transportation Update