School transport review recommends expanding access to more pupils
The distances required for students to qualify for school transport to be reduced
A review of school transport has recommended an expansion of the service and that an additional 100,000 pupils should have access by 2030.
The review recommends eliminating the requirement for students to attend their ‘nearest school’ to give students and parents greater choice and flexibility. However, this is only where there are existing bus routes to use or where there is sufficient parental demand for a new route (10 pupils or more).
It also recommends reducing the distances required for students to qualify for it.
The report published today is the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967.
Minister for Education Norma Foley TD welcomed the publication and confirmed that the charges for the school transport scheme will remain at the same reduced rates for the upcoming 2024/2025 school year.
“The School Transport Scheme fee for a primary school child will be kept at €50 and €75 for a post- primary school child is. The maximum fee for a family is €125. This is excellent value considering the actual cost to provide transport is €1,100 per child on mainstream transport per school year.”
“The School Transport 2030 review is a highly significant document which shows the clear social, economic and climate action benefits of the scheme. I am committed to working with my government colleagues so that we can get an additional 100,000 more students on school buses by 2030.”