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Mainstream School Transport Scheme -
Frequently Asked Questions - Closing Date for application for travel on school transport services in school year is the last Friday in April. (Click on the link below) APPLY ONLINE at www.buseireann.ie GENERAL What is the School Transport Scheme? The School Transport Scheme is operated by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills and provides transport to and from school for children who live at a distance from their nearest school. Where can I get information on the School Transport Scheme? Read the full terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme and Post Primary School Transport Scheme on both the Department of Education and Skills and Bus Éireann websites. Who is eligible? Primary children who live more than 3.2 kms from their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann.
How do I know if my child is eligible?
Can ineligible children still get school transport? Yes. Transport may be available on a concessionary basis (see above). Children who are not eligible must pay the charge. Apply online at buseireann.ie What is a ‘scheduled service’? A scheduled service is a public bus or rail service which is open to the general public to use, in contrast to a school bus service which only carries schoolchildren. Can I have a home pick up? Home pick-ups are not a general feature of the Primary or Post Primary Schemes. Where practicable, and subject to considerations of cost and logistics, routes are planned to avoid an eligible Post Primary child having to travel more than 3.2 kilometres to or from a pick up/set down, or more than 2.4 kilometres to or from a pick up/set down point in the case of a Primary child. Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that children are brought safely to and collected safely from Bus Éireann designated pick up and set down points. Is School Transport provided during the period of a Status Red Weather Warning? All services provided by Bus Éireann under the Department of Education and Skills School Transport Schemes will be cancelled in the affected area if a Status Red warning is announced for all or part of a given day. For further details please refer to the Bus Éireann website. Can I obtain a refund if the service doesn’t operate due to bad weather conditions? All Bus Éireann services may be subject to alteration or cancellation without notice for reasons beyond the control of Bus Éireann. On occasions where snow, fog, or other adverse weather conditions prevail, or the state of the roads is unusually difficult or if for any reason whatsoever roads or sections of roads are closed to traffic, it may be necessary to vary the times of Bus Éireann services or to suspend their operation without notice. Bus Éireann shall not be liable for any loss, damage, delay or expense arising as a result of such circumstances outside the control of Bus Éireann. What if my nearest school is full? Eligibility is determined based on the distance that you live from your next nearest school with regard to ethos and language if the Department is satisfied that your nearest school is full. Parents must provide:
How do I apply? Apply online on the Bus Éireann School Transport webpage When do I apply? Apply online by the last Friday in April each year Do I need to apply each school year? No. Your child continues in the scheme if there is no change in his/her circumstances. CHARGES Is there a charge? Yes, €100 per primary child up to a maximum of €220 for families with primary children only. €350 per post primary child. The overall family maximum is €650. Are some children exempt from the charge? Yes. Children eligible for transport who hold valid Medical Cards (GMS Scheme). The child’s Medical Card details are required when making the payment and details may be entered online at buseireann.ie When do I pay? Usually in the first week of July when the request for payment is issued. Pay by the last Friday in July. How do I pay? You can pay on line at buseireann.ie or offline by sending a cheque/postal order/money order to your local Bus Éireann School Transport Office. Can I spread the payment over the school year? Yes. Pay either in full by the last Friday in July or in two equal instalments in July and December. Do I pay a reduced charge for my children on morning/afternoon only? No. Each child is allocated an individual seat to and from school each day for the school year, whether availed of or not. Can I still pay once the closing date for payment has passed? Yes. Pay online at buseireann.ie as soon as possible for any spare seats that are available. Any money paid is refunded if no seats are available. How can I get help making an online payment? Contact your local Bus Éireann School Transport Office Is the full amount due if the school year has started? Children who join a service before the Christmas holidays pay the full annual charge. Children who join a service from January onwards pay a pro-rata charge for the remainder of the school year. What if the request for payment does not arrive in July? Check that you have applied and apply online at buseireann.ie if needed. Late applicants are not guaranteed a seat. What do I do if I have lost my request for payment? Please contact your local Bus Éireann School Transport Office. TICKETS When are tickets issued? Tickets for eligible children who have paid/submitted Medical Card details on time are generally posted shortly before schools resume. Any payments for which no seats remain are refunded. The refund is only processed after the schools have started to allow every effort to accommodate the child by making operational changes where possible. Can I use my receipt for travel until I receive a ticket? No. One ticket is issued per seat on the school bus. A valid ticket must be presented upon request by the driver at any time. Can I use the ticket to travel home after games or homework club and so on? No. Tickets issued under the School Transport Scheme for travel on scheduled services can be used for travel up to 5pm only each school day. Where can I get further information? Please contact your local Bus Éireann School Transport Office |
School transport for children with special educational needsPlease contact the school as soon as possible if you wish to arrange this bus transport.
The Department of Education provides school transport services for children with special educational needs who cannot use standard school transport services. Bus Éireann operates the school transport service on behalf of the Department of Education. The school transport service may not be available in all areas. Where a school transport service cannot be provided, you may be eligible for a Special Transport Grant to help with the cost of making private transport arrangements (see “Is there a charge for special educational needs school transport?” below). Who can use special educational needs school transport?The School Transport Scheme (pdf) applies to children with special educational needs recognised by the Department of Education. Your child must be attending:
Escort for your child on school transport The Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) can recommend an escort be employed to accompany your child on school transport, if your child’s care and safety needs require that support. The School Management Authority employs the escort. Special class arrangements Transport services for children with special educational needs are only provided for the period of enrolment in a special class. If your child returns to mainstream classes, special transport arrangements will not be provided. Eligible children who are enrolled in an autism class or unit attached to a mainstream school and who subsequently move to mainstream in that same school will retain their transport eligibility for the duration of their primary education in this school. However, a new application must be made if they transfer to a new school |
