Join

Prince William Schools Urge Families to Update Bus Plans for 2025–26 to Improve Service

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools is asking families to notify the division whether their students will require bus transportation for the upcoming 2025–26 school year, a move aimed at improving routing efficiency and service reliability.

While some families may see this as an “opt-in” process similar to what neighboring Stafford County implemented earlier this year, PWCS says that is not the case.

“All students will be provided with a bus, if they qualify (e.g., the student is not a walker), unless the family indicates otherwise,” said PWCS spokeswoman Meghan Silas. “To help us plan better bus routes and improve on-time service, PWCS is asking families to let us know if their students will need bus transportation for the 2025–26 school year.”

Parents are asked to log in to their ParentVUE accounts and complete the transportation update as soon as possible. Silas emphasized that even if students don’t need a bus—such as high schoolers who drive themselves to school—it’s still important for families to report that information. If plans change later, families can contact their child’s school to update transportation preferences.

The goal, according to PWCS, is to collect more accurate data about ridership and eliminate unnecessary stops, which can delay service across the county’s large bus network.

Following Stafford’s Lead?

In nearby Stafford County, public school officials rolled out a similar request earlier this year—though theirs came with more urgency and a new opt-in policy following a transportation crisis at the start of the 2024–25 school year. That crisis left more than 3,000 students without assigned buses on the first day of school due to rushed implementation of routing software and staff shortages.

As a result, Stafford officials revamped the system. Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, families there must opt in for bus service. By early June, nearly 30,000 students had declared their transportation plans, with thousands opting out of morning or afternoon rides. Families who fail to submit their preference in Stafford must work with school registrars to reapply for transportation.

While Prince William is not requiring an opt-in, the similarities in timing and communication have drawn attention.

Prince William County Public Schools transports more than 60,000 students daily. Officials say collecting accurate ridership data early will allow them to fine-tune routes, reduce delays, and better serve all students.

Families can access the transportation preference form via ParentVUE and are encouraged to update their responses soon.

Recent Stories

Susan Spears, President & CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), a state agency that plays a key role in shaping rail transportation across the Commonwealth.

U.S. Post Office at 16 Lichfield Boulevard in Stafford County is partially closed today due to a power outage, according to paper signs posted on the doors.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Forest Park High School has earned top honors for its commitment to sustainability, while four other Prince William County high schools were recognized for excellence in STEM education.

Drivers planning to use the Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes on Independence Day should be aware of a modified reversal schedule designed to accommodate holiday traffic headed to the nation’s capital.

The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!

Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.

Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!

Submit your own Community Post here.

Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.

“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”

As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Christmas in July

Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket

Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

×

Subscribe to our mailing list