Student transport.

Who qualifies?

Students qualify for student transport if they:

• cannot travel alone by public transport because of their disability
• attend a school for special primary education
• go to a school that is farther than the set distance because of their beliefs

Types of student transport

The municipality ensures that students who need special primary education and special education can actually attend these schools. There are different options:

• Your child gets a public transport subscription (sometimes also for a caregiver)
• Your child can use organised transport by bus or taxi (adapted transport)
• Parents get a refund for driving the child themselves (for example by car)

The role of the municipality in student transport

The municipality is responsible for organising and paying for student transport. The municipal rules say when parents can get a refund or transport by taxi or bus. Municipalities must have these rules according to national laws from different education acts. Usually, a child to a school farther away (mostly more than 6 kilometers) can get transport or if the child cannot travel alone because of a need for support.

The municipality looks at each application separately. They check if your child can maybe use a bike or public transport, possibly with help. Sometimes the municipality asks for a fee from parents. How much differs per municipality. If your child cannot travel by public transport because of support needs, you often do not have to pay a fee. The rules can vary by municipality, so it is good to check your own municipality’s rules or contact them if you have questions.

Applying for student transport

You can apply for transport at the municipality where you live. You must apply each school year again. The municipality decides if your child can get transport based on local rules. You can view or ask for the local student transport rules at the municipality, so you know what you can get.

The Association of Dutch municipalities made a model student transport rule. Most municipalities have taken this rule. With the matching ‘Conditions scheme for student transport‘ you can easily check if your child qualifies for transport.

Costs for parents

Municipalities may ask parents to pay a fee for student transport. The fee differs per municipality. The law allows a fee for regular primary education and special primary education that depends on income. When a child has a disability and cannot use public transport, the municipality may not ask parents for a fee.

For students of secondary special education, a refund is possible only if they are medically too limited to travel alone by public transport or bike. Municipalities can choose to give all students of secondary special education a refund. Then they can also ask parents to pay a fee. It differs per municipality if and how much you pay.

Problems with student transport

Student transport does not always go well. Buses can be too full, communication may be bad, waiting times can be long, or there can be no transport at all. As a parent, do you want to take steps to report problems? Our step-by-step plan can help you.