Transportation Services

Introduction

Transportation helps connect students with learning opportunities both on and off campus. This guide provides advisors with the information needed to request transportation, understand timelines, and support students participating in Learning Through Internship (LTI), shadow days, field trips, advisory trips, and other approved activities.

The Transportation Office prioritizes student safety, efficient routing, and reliable service. Requests are scheduled based on available drivers, vehicle capacity, geographic routing, and operational needs. While every effort is made to accommodate requests, transportation cannot always be provided

How Transportation Decisions Are Made

The Met's transportation program is designed to support student learning while making the best use of available vehicles, drivers, and resources. Because students travel to internship sites throughout Rhode Island, transportation planning requires balancing individual student needs with an efficient, reliable system that serves all students.

When evaluating transportation requests, the Transportation Office considers several factors, including the distance between campus and internship site; available transportation options; route efficiency; driver availability; and the number of students traveling in the same area.

Whenever possible, internship placements should be selected with transportation in mind. Sites that are closer to a student's campus, accessible by RIPTA, or located along existing transportation routes may be easier to accommodate. This helps reduce travel time and allows students to spend more of their day engaged in meaningful learning at their internship.

Our goal is for every student to have enough time at their Learning Through Internship (LTI) to fully participate in the experience. Transportation schedules are developed to maximize time on site while maintaining safe, reliable service for all students. In some cases, this may mean recommending an internship location that can be reached more efficiently or adjusting transportation schedules to better support the student's learning experience.

Transportation decisions are made with one priority in mind: providing students with safe, dependable access to high-quality learning opportunities while ensuring that the transportation system remains sustainable and equitable for the entire Met community.

Before You Submit a Request

A short checklist:

✓ Is the internship confirmed and has all required paperwork been completed?

✓ Is the complete address available?

✓ Are the start and end times accurate?

✓ Have you considered whether RIPTA or walking is appropriate?

Request Transportation

What is FMX?

FMX is The Met's online work request system. Advisors use FMX to submit transportation requests for Learning Through Internship (LTI), field experiences, shadow days, and other approved school activities.

Submitting requests through FMX ensures that all necessary information is collected in one place, allows the Transportation Office to track requests, and provides advisors with updates as requests are reviewed and scheduled.

To help avoid delays, please include:

• Student name
• Internship or destination address
• Days and times transportation is needed
• Start date (and end date, if applicable)
• Any special instructions or accessibility needs

Once your request has been submitted, you'll receive confirmation through FMX as it moves through the scheduling process.

Request Timeline

Managing Transportation Changes

Student schedules and internship placements often change throughout the school year. When they do, timely communication with the Transportation Office helps ensure students continue to have safe and reliable transportation.

Internship Location Changes

If a student changes internship sites or begins a new internship, submit a new transportation request through FMX as soon as the placement is confirmed. Include the new address, updated schedule, mentor information, and the date transportation should begin. Transportation cannot be adjusted until the new request is received and processed.

Internship Schedule Changes

If a student's internship days or arrival and dismissal times change, call the transportation office to update the request immediately. Even small schedule changes may require adjustments to bus routes and driver assignments.

Student Withdraws from an Internship

If a student leaves an internship or no longer requires transportation, notify the Transportation Office immediately. Prompt notification allows routes to be adjusted and helps avoid unnecessary trips.

Mentor Changes

If only the mentor changes but the internship location and schedule remain the same, transportation typically does not need to be modified. However, if the change includes a new location, different hours, or other transportation-related details, submit an updated transportation request.

Student Misses Transportation

If a student misses scheduled transportation, advisors should first determine why the transportation was missed. If transportation was operating as scheduled, advisors should work with the student to develop a plan for avoiding missing the transportation. If there is a concern that transportation did not arrive as expected, contact the Transportation Office promptly so the issue can be investigated.

Questions or Unusual Situations

If you are unsure whether a change requires a new transportation request, contact the Transportation Office before submitting. We are happy to help determine the best course of action and avoid delays.

Student Expectations

Students who use Met transportation play an important role in helping the system operate safely and efficiently. By following these expectations, students help ensure that everyone arrives at school, internships, and other learning experiences on time.

Be Ready for Pickup

Students should arrive at their designated pickup location at least five minutes before their scheduled pickup time. Buses operate on a schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals.

Be Prepared to Travel

Students should be ready to board the vehicle when it arrives. Students should have everything they need for the day, including any required materials for their internship.

Follow Driver Instructions

Drivers are responsible for the safety of everyone on the vehicle. Students are expected to follow all directions from the driver promptly and respectfully. This includes remaining seated when instructed, wearing a seatbelt if one is provided, and following all safety procedures.

Communicate Transportation Issues

If a student misses scheduled transportation or experiences a transportation-related problem, they should notify their advisor as soon as possible. Advisors can work with the Transportation Office to determine the appropriate next steps. Students should not assume transportation will automatically return or make an additional stop.

Treat People and Property with Respect

Students are expected to treat drivers, other passengers, and school vehicles with courtesy and respect. Keeping vehicles clean, using appropriate language, and demonstrating respectful behavior helps create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Understand That Safety Comes First

Transportation schedules may occasionally change due to weather, traffic, road conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Students should remain patient and follow any instructions provided by their advisor or the Transportation Office. Safety will always take priority over maintaining the exact schedule.

Remember: Safe, reliable transportation is a shared responsibility. When students are on time, prepared, respectful, and communicate any issues promptly, they help ensure transportation runs smoothly for everyone.

MET Route Pro

The MET Route Pro mobile app gives students convenient access to their transportation information throughout the school year. The app provides real-time updates and makes it easier for students to stay connected with the Transportation Office and their driver.

With MET Route Pro, students can:

• View their assigned bus and transportation schedule.
• See their pickup and drop-off locations on an interactive map.
• Track the location of their bus in real time (when available).
• Receive important transportation notifications and updates.
• Communicate directly with their assigned driver through the app when appropriate.

Getting Started

Students who use Met transportation are encouraged to download the MET Route Pro app before the start of the school year.

After installing the app, students must complete the registration process using their Met-provided information before they can access their transportation details. Registration is required to ensure students are connected to the correct transportation assignments.

Download the app:

• Apple App Store: MET Route Pro for iPhone
• Google Play: MET Route Pro for Android

If you experience difficulty registering or accessing your transportation information, please contact the Transportation Office for assistance.