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Rural School Bus 2023
Rototuna High Schools has two rural bus routes which are set and administered by the Ministry of Education (Routes D030506 and D030507). In 2022 a new bus operator has been appointed by the MoE - Go Bus. We are working closely with Go Bus and the Ministry of Education to ensure that the transition to our new school bus operator goes well.
Rural School Bus Routes and Timetable
Our new provider will be operating the same two routes as previously but with two buses so there will be changes to the timetable to reflect this. The route details and approximate timings are given below; please note different timings for Wednesday late start. To avoid the congestion outside school at the end of the day both buses will arrive on site at 3.30 pm ready to depart. As these routes are rural, the drivers will stop for students they see on the left hand side of the road where it is safe to do so.
As the drivers are new to the routes please bear with them until they get familiar with the route and the students who catch the bus.
As always, please either stay with your children while they are waiting for their school transport in the morning or keep in contact with them to make sure that they are picked up safely.
Eligibility for School Transport Assistance
We often get questions about whether students qualify for school transport assistance i.e., a place on a school bus.
The Ministry of Education has three criteria that students must meet in order to qualify for school transport assistance. They are:
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The student must attend their closest state or state-integrated school
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The student must live more than a certain distance from the school:
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Years 1-8: at least 3.2 km
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Years 9-13: at least 4.8 km
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There must be no suitable public transport options
The Ministry of Education has a handy video on their website that explains the eligibility criteria for school transport assistance. Some parents/caregivers may be eligible for the School Transport Conveyance Allowance from the MoE - please follow the link below.
Responsibility of Caregivers
To ensure a safe environment for bus loading and unloading, caregivers should:
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not park in bus bays
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adhere to the speed limit (20 km/h while passing a stationary school bus on either side of the road)
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try to eliminate the need for children to cross the road
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ensure that children get to and from the bus stop safely
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teach children to not run across the road
The safety and comfort of everyone on the bus depends on a standard of behaviour and consideration for others that is expected in the classroom. We therefore expect students who catch the bus to adhere to a Code of Conduct (click on link below). We hope that parents/caregivers will support the school in maintaining these standards of behaviour.
Mask Wearing
All students aged 12 and over must wear a face covering on School Transport services under all Alert Levels. Providing face coverings is the responsibility of individuals and caregivers. Transport providers are not required to have face coverings available for student use. Drivers are not responsible for enforcing face covering. If a student refuses to wear a face covering they will not be denied carriage. Non-compliance will be reported to the school and parents/caregivers.
Routes