As School District and Department of Education policies can vary in how they deal with transportation cuts we are using California as an example. If you need information from a specific school district we can add links, as requested. Bus schedules and routes will be changing nationwide, the following is a review of some of the expected changes.
California Governor Brown's budget which cuts school transportation costs has left parents and schools extremely worried. The Department of Education thinks the best way to deal with the cuts is to increase school bus fees for those who pay and change the eligibility of those who normally get to ride the bus for free. It seems that they think doing this will reduce the number of children riding the bus. Meaning many students will need to walk, cycle or be driven to school.
If your child is eligible to ride on the school bus through CSR, (Corporate Social Responsibility), they no longer will be because the CSR will no longer be available.
The California State Board of Education approved plan for school transportation costs 2012-2013;
Students Exempt from Bus Fees;
If a student is eligible for free and reduced lunch, they can apply to have their bus fees wavered. Special education students with an approved IEP (Individualized Education Program), stating their eligibility for transportation will also be exempt from bus fees.
Remote Area Grants;
Students who have no bus service available where they live can contact the Department of Education for a remote area grant, towards private transport.