Families urged to apply early for School Transport Scheme

Local families are being urged to apply for the School Transport Scheme early this year to ensure they don’t miss out on a place for their children.

Cork East TD James O’Connor said first-time users can now apply for the State-backed School Transport Scheme for the 2023/2024 academic year. The closing date for these applications will be April 28.

“I would encourage all families who are applying this year to do so as early as possible to avoid any disappointment,” Deputy O’Connor said. “First-time users of the scheme can now apply for their place on a school bus for the next academic year. From early next month all others will also be able to apply,” Deputy O’Connor said.

All other applications can be made from April 3rd until June 9.

REDUCED RATES

Fees have been reintroduced for the coming school term but at reduced rates than before. A primary school child will be charged at €50 for the academic school year, while a post-primary child will be charged €75. There will be a cap of €125 per family for the 2023/2034 school year.

“It is also important that families realise the closing date for payment/registering medical cards has been brought forward this year, so that Bus Eireann can process applications, arrange transport and issue tickets to families as soon as possible for the next school term. They need to keep that in mind.”

“The Bus Éireann family portal will be open to accept payments/medical card details from April 3, 2023 until June 9, 2023. Payments made after the deadline date will be deemed late and families are not guaranteed a seat at that stage,” Deputy O’Connor added.