How routes are designed
Our bus routes are designed to provide the best possible coverage while operating safely and cost-effectively. Several factors are considered when planning and adjusting routes.
When designing bus routes we always take safety into account. A bus turning point may be moved further away or closer to school, depending on the most sensible road conditions.
Our Network does not allow standees at any time. In the event that an increase in students would result in children standing, our drivers are instructed to deliver their passengers to school before returning to collect any extras. This is for the safety of all of our children.
When designing a bus route we consider route timing and the nature of the road being travelled on. In some cases extending a route along a side road would mean the first children on the bus would be boarding too early. In other cases a rough rural road adds unnecessary discomfort to existing passengers. In these cases families are encouraged to apply to the Ministry for assistance to get to the school bus route.
Distance requirements
To be eligible for free school transport, students must live a minimum distance from the nearest school they can attend, measured by the shortest practicable road route.
Conveyance allowance
If your family is eligible for school transport but lives too far from the nearest bus route, or if no bus service is available, you may be able to receive a conveyance allowance from the Ministry of Education.
To qualify, your child must meet all three criteria:
- Be enrolled at their nearest eligible school
- Live beyond the minimum distance (3.2km for Year 1-8, 4.8km for Year 9-13)
- Have no suitable school bus service available, or live more than 2.4km from the nearest bus route