Facing severe budget constraints, Wareham school officials have developed a plan to make bus runs shorter, but some students will have to walk farther to their bus stops.

Transportation manager Jeff Tatro said that most buses will no longer be going into “side neighborhoods,” and will stay on main streets instead.

“We know we’ve done everything that we can do to make this as smooth as possible,” said Tatro at a meeting of the School Committee Wednesday evening. “We’ve worked really hard to make sure these buses are where they need to be.”

Tatro said the average ride for an entire route this year will be around 30 minutes, with the longest to be about 45 minutes. He said the average walk for each student would be about half a mile, with some having to walk up to a mile or so.

The changes will take place across Wareham Public Schools, with the most significant changes to occur within the two elementary schools.

Tatro said that he’s currently working to get the word out to students and parents regarding the changes. He said those with questions or concerns could email transportation@k12.ma.us, and that the new routes and more information are available on the Wareham Public Schools’ website.

“We’re addressing concerns as quickly as they can be addressed,” he said.

Tatro and School Committee members also discussed the possibility of obtaining buses in the near future as $150,000 was allocated for the purchase of school vehicles at Town Meeting in 2013.

“We’re looking to purchase some used vehicles with that money,” said Tatro.

Business Manager Michael MacMillan said the reason they’re looking into used equipment and not new because of a stipulation in the town charter that says any purchases of new equipment would first need to be approved at Town Meeting.  The used buses would take the place of existing buses.

“That does not cover used vehicles,” he said of the policy. “We’ll make sure everyone is aware of what’s going on.”

"We are buying used buses because it is the best use of our available funds," he added.

Tatro said he could foresee bids being complete for the equipment sometime in October.

Committee Chairman Cliff Sylvia thanked Tatro and his staff for the recent work they’ve done.

“I’m very happy that we can still transport all our kids to school at this point in time, and that’s very important to me."

Another update on transportation will take place at the Sept. 17 School Committee meeting.