The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann have the responsibility for the overall safe operation of the School Transport Scheme and protection of children when travelling on school transport services. As such, Bus Éireann work closely with the Department of Education, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and other stakeholders to improve the safety standards across all fleet and this collaboration continues on an ongoing basis.
All school buses, including Bus Éireann vehicles in service that are subject to roadside inspections must have current roadworthiness certification at the time of inspection. In addition to statutory requirements, Bus Éireann arranges for additional examinations of vehicles operating under the School Transport Scheme – which are both targeted and random.
The Department of Transport advised that as best practice, the NTA keep the age of vehicles operating city and town bus services to a maximum of 12 years, with the intercity services closer to 10 years old . If the Deputy has any further queries relating to public transport, they can be addressed to the Department of Transport.
