Transportation
University School of Milwaukee offers round-trip and one-way school bus service between the School and the surrounding communities. We own and operate our own bus fleet, and the buses are driven by dedicated and experienced USM employees, whose primary focus is the safety of the students they serve.
Bus Routes
Bus routes extend east to Lake Michigan, north roughly to Hwy. 60 in Grafton, west roughly to Pilgrim Road in Menomonee Falls and Germantown, and south roughly to State Street in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa. The bus routes are divided into three zones, and transportation fees are charged based on the zone of pick-up and/or drop-off. For families who live beyond Zone 3, USM will provide pick-up and drop-off locations within Zone 3, as requested. View a map of the transportation area for a visual representation of the bus routes.
Cost-free School District Buses
Students who reside in the Nicolet Union High School District (encompassing the communities of Bayside, Fox Point, Glendale, and River Hills) and the Mequon-Thiensville School District are provided with free bus service to and from USM by their district. These buses pick up at the student’s home and drop at USM. In the afternoon, the Mequon-Thiensville and Nicolet buses load at the same spot as the USM buses.
Group Pick-up and Drop-off Options
For students living outside the door-to-door pick-up areas in zones 1-3, families may consider one of two group pick-up/drop-off options. Students utilizing the group pick-up/drop-off locations enjoy a discounted rate at the zone 2 price.
Locations include:
- Pettit National Ice Center - 500 S. 84th St. Milwaukee
- United Community Center - 1028 S. 9th St. Milwaukee (the driver will park at the corner of 8th and Washington Streets on the south side of the center).
Activity Bus
Subject to ridership and home address, an activity bus is also offered, which enables Middle School and Upper School students to participate in the wide range of after-school activities and athletics offered at USM. The activity bus typically travels south/west from USM, utilizing well-lit, safe group drop-off spots in student neighborhoods, as well as the United Community Center and the Pettit National Ice Center.
More information about transportation for current or prospective families is available by contacting the transportation department at 414.540.3530.
2024-25 Fees
All student transportation fees will be billed according to the selection of your payment plan. Please refer to the transportation map for approximate zones. For students who live beyond Zone 3, the school will provide pick-up and drop-off locations within Zone 3. The fee would then be charged the Zone 3 rate.
| Zone | One Way (AM or PM) | Roundtrip (No Activity Bus) | AM or PM + Activity Bus | Roundtrip + Activity Bus | Activity Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | $810 | $1,355 | $1,265 | $1,755 | $545 |
| Zone 2 | $1,385 | $2,290 | $2,275 | $3,055 | $765 |
| Zone 3 | $1,785 | $2,740 | $2,675 | $3,590 | $875 |
We also offer a family discount program for USM bus riders.
| 2nd child discount | 25% |
| 3rd child discount | 50% |
| 4th child and beyond discount | 75% |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will the bus trip take from my home?
- Can we use the bus only in the morning? Only in the afternoon?
- When we sign up, is it the whole school year?
- Do we receive a discount if we have more than one student on the bus?
How long will the bus trip take from my home?
Can we use the bus only in the morning? Only in the afternoon?
When we sign up, is it the whole school year?
Do we receive a discount if we have more than one student on the bus?
More information about transportation for prospective families is available by contacting the Enrollment Management office at 414.540.3320 or admissions@usm.org. If you are already a USM family, please contact transportation@usm.org, with any questions.