School Trippers
CATA provides additional service on school days in Gloucester.
About
School Trippers
CATA provides additional public transportation on school days for Gloucester Public Schools, including service to Gloucester High School and O’Maley Middle School.
School Tripper routes operate Monday through Friday on school days and are open to the public. These routes are designed around school arrival and dismissal times, but all CATA riders may use them.
Gloucester High School
CATA provides morning and afternoon School Tripper service to and from Gloucester High School, with routes serving neighborhoods throughout Gloucester, Rockport, Magnolia, Lanesville, East Gloucester, Downtown Gloucester, and nearby MBTA stations.
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​Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, school bus flyers will no longer be mailed to homes. All School Tripper schedules will be available on CATA’s website.
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View current Gloucester High School Schedule​
O'Maley Middle School
​CATA provides morning and afternoon School Tripper service to and from O’Maley Middle School, with routes serving Downtown Gloucester, Washington Street, Cherry Street, Centennial Avenue, and nearby neighborhoods.
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​Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, school bus flyers will no longer be mailed to homes. All School Tripper schedules will be available on CATA’s website.
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View current O'Maley Middle School Schedule​
Schedules
How to Ride
School Tripper routes operate only on Gloucester Public Schools school days.
Riders should be at their stop before the scheduled time and wait in a safe location. During school pickup and drop-off times, Wave-A-Bus service is not in effect. Riders must use listed school tripper stops.
For safety, do not cross in front of the bus. Let the bus pass, then look both ways before crossing the street.
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Fares
CATA public transportation is fare free through December 31, 2027. Student bus passes are not needed to board the buses during the fare-free period.
Fare-free service is subject to change. Please check current CATA fare information before riding.
Schedule Changes
If Gloucester Public Schools has a delayed start, morning School Tripper routes will operate one or two hours later than the regular schedule, depending on the length of the delay.
On early dismissal days, afternoon buses leave at adjusted times unless otherwise specified:
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Gloucester High School buses leave GHS at 11:05 AM
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O’Maley Middle School buses leave O’Maley at 11:02 AM
Weather, school events, traffic, and road conditions may affect service. Be sure to follow us on social media or check back on our website for critical service updates.
Rider Responsibilities
For the safety and comfort of all riders:
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No smoking or vaping
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No eating or drinking
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Offensive or disruptive behavior is not allowed
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Repeat incidents may result in suspension of ridership privileges
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Shirt and shoes are required
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Riders should follow driver instructions at all times
Questions?
For questions about School Tripper service, call CATA Dispatch at 978-283-7916 or email CustomerService@canntran.com.
FAQs
Are School Tripper routes only for students?
No. School Tripper routes are open to the public. They are scheduled around Gloucester Public Schools arrival and dismissal times, but any CATA rider may use them.
Do School Tripper routes run every day?
School Tripper routes run Monday through Friday on Gloucester Public Schools school days only. They do not operate when school is not in session.
Do students need a bus pass to use the School Tripper service?
No bus pass is needed while CATA service is fare free. Fare-free service is currently in effect through December 31, 2027 and is subject to change.
Will School Trippers run if Gloucester Public Schools has a delayed start?
Morning School Tripper routes run one or two hours later than the regular schedule, depending on the length of the school delay.
What happens to School Tripper service on early dismissal days for Gloucester Public Schools?
Afternoon School Tripper routes leave earlier on early dismissal days. Unless otherwise announced, Gloucester High School buses leave at 11:05 AM and O’Maley buses leave at 11:02 AM.
Can I wave down a School Tripper bus?
No. Wave-A-Bus is not in effect during school pickup and drop-off. Riders should use the listed School Tripper stops.