Warwick Public Schools (WPS) currently transports approximately 5,700 students in fifty-five (55) buses to public and non-public schools in the City of Warwick and the Towns of East Greenwich and West Warwick. Transportation is also provided by two 35-passenger buses to programs located within the City of Warwick and outside but within our region. The fifty-five (55) buses travel approximately 5,000 miles per day, including
extracurricular athletic events and field trips. Since the number of students being transported is contingent upon the walking distances as established by the School Committee Policy, and since this policy is subject to review and alteration, the number of buses required to provide service may be increased or decreased during any of the contract years.
The State of Rhode Island has been divided into five (5) regions to establish school bus districts to provide bus service to both Regional and Vocational public and non-public schools. The City of Warwick is included in Region II, along with the Towns of West Warwick, East Greenwich, Coventry, Foster-Glocester, and Scituate. Accepting East Greenwich, West Warwick, Coventry, Foster-Glocester, and Scituate Vocational Programs.
Warwick Public Schools currently transports approximately 700 special needs students, ranging from 3 to 22 years of age, on forty (40) minibusses to programs located within the Warwick Public School system. Special needs students, both ambulatory and in wheelchairs, are also provided with transportation to job sites and work programs located primarily within Warwick, on field trips, and for late bus service, on an as-needed basis.
The number of vehicles needed to provide transportation during public school vacations, holidays, or days when WPS is closed varies between 1 and 25 buses.
Warwick Public Schools is requesting proposals from transportation contractors for a three (3) year contract commencing on July 1st, 2024, and terminating on June 30th, 2027, with an option for a three (3) year extension.
