School bus change to make life easier

Students up to year 9 will be eligible for free school buses or assistance with transport costs under a

School bus rules have been changed to ensure more kids from the same family can catch the same bus for free, or their parents can get help covering transport costs.

Previously, children aged over 10 were unable to catch the same bus as under-10s, even if they attended the same school - meaning a nightmare bus run for some families with multiple children.

The change means students will be eligible for school transport assistance until they reach secondary school (Year 9).

"We found the original rule dated back to the early 1900s. While transport has changed since then, the rule hadn't," Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye says.

"Understandably, some parents have been frustrated by this outdated rule, and while it is important to note that not all students qualify for school transport assistance, this will make life easier for those that do."

From the start of Term 2 on May 6, more than 4000 children will be eligible for free school bus rides because of the change.

The change applies to students in years 1-8 who live more than 3.2km from their nearest appropriate school, or in years 9 or above who live more than 4.8km from their nearest appropriate school.

Eligible students are offered either a place on a Ministry of Education-funded bus, or their parents can apply for a conveyance allowance to help with travel costs.

NZN