Bus Éireann update on School Transport Scheme

Bus Éireann says it is currently issuing tickets and beginning services for School Transport for the 2020/21 school year.

Last year, the School Transport Scheme accommodated 38,000 primary students, 68,000 post-primary and 14,200 were students with special educational needs.

More than 70% of students availing of school transport are eligible – in other words they live more than 3.2km (primary) or 4.8km (post-primary) from their nearest school.

In response to the Government decision to limit capacity on post-primary school transport to 50%, in accordance with revised public health advice issued on 18 August 2020, Bus Éireann is:

- reviewing all 2,100 post-primary routes to determine which solution can most quickly and appropriately deliver the 50% capacity. Solutions will range from schedule changes to additional resources in terms of vehicles and drivers. One-fifth of services will be at 50% capacity from commencement.

- assessing which routes will need more resources in terms of vehicles and drivers

- identifying those additional vehicles and drivers and making arrangements to procure these services through a competitive process

- ensuring that all vetting and inspection of quality and safety standards is maintained, as well as appropriate procurement processes

- training drivers and contractors about the Covid19 prevention protocols across primary and post-primary transport

- Bus Éireann is drawing and allocating resources from across the organisation to support these efforts.

In relation to both primary and post-primary school transport, the guidelines already communicated to parents by the Department of Education include the following:

- not to use school transport if students are displaying any symptoms of Covid19

- maintain physical distancing while waiting for transport

- always sit in pre-assigned seating and next to a sibling or child from same class group

- use hand sanitiser on boarding the bus

- observe respiratory etiquette at all times while waiting for and on-board transport services

- disembark the bus one by one in an orderly fashion

- with the exception of those children who for medical or special educational needs reasons are not in a position to wear a face mask or covering, all other children aged 13 years and over to wear face masks while waiting for and on-board transport services.

There will be enhanced cleaning of school buses, including between morning and afternoon services.

Any parent/guardian wishing to organise alternative transport arrangements is entitled to a full refund of their School Transport Scheme fees from Bus Éireann.

The Minister of Education has also announced that, at the end of the school year, a grant will be available relating to post-primary children who are eligible for transport whose parents/guardians choose to make private transport arrangements arising from the most recent health advice.

This must be notified to the Department of Education at schooltransportrefunds2020@education.gov.ie by Friday 4 September 2020.

“The entire team at Bus Éireann has been providing road passenger services nationwide over the past six months and is well-experienced in managing Covid19 prevention measures.

"We have worked intensively with all stakeholders – the Department of Education, contractors, drivers – so that the school bus will be there on reopening day for every student with a valid ticket, with significant additional public health measures,” said Miriam Flynn, Chief Schools Officer, Bus Éireann.

“All stakeholders have been fully committed to meeting public health guidance for a safe return to school. That remains the case and we will work through logistical challenges to achieve the new guidelines as expeditiously as possible.”

Further information for parents / guardians is available at gov.ie/backtoschool