In Elementary, we were 1 block too close to qualify for bus service. My brother and I rode our bikes essentially until first snowfall. We hated walking. If mom wasn't working school days in the winter, she'd often give us a ride.
In high school, we rode the city bus until we got our licenses. Similar thing - first bus came, second bus came because there were too many kids. Occasionally, I was like 2 seconds from the bus stop and the driver would see me trucking down the alley to get there and waited for me.
I think badging is fine but like you said, it was all good until they were strict about one route. Your kid is in junior high...he's not an elementary school little who could legitimately be lost. If you sign some sort of agreement at the beginning of the year, it should be fine. I understand the legalities of it all, but it doesn't mean there shouldn't be some change to the policies, especially for parents like yourself and ex-Mrs. TBone who can adult and coparent effectively.
Me too. Although my ex said some really awful things to Kid1 about me when she confronted him last week about being a bad, non-committal parent. He was diagnosed as a covert narcissist years and years back and that disorder was a large contributor to why we split up in the first place. He'd been managing things in a manner that was tolerable but this was crossing the line. I hope he doesn't suddenly attempt to speak to me because as far as I'm concerned, he's dead to me. Kid2 is nearly 16. When he turns 18, I'm beyond delighted to be done.