Reminder - All Taupo bus students MUST display bus tags. Please contact the school office if your student does not have a tag.

To our Students, Parents, Caregivers

This is a timely reminder asking for your support in keeping our bus transportation service safe for all concerned.

This service is financed and provided by the Ministry of Education, and we as a group of local schools are responsible for the administration and organization.

All users of this service should therefore understand that it is a privilege to travel on these buses and in the majority of cases, this service is provided at no cost for those who are eligible.

The eligibility criteria are determined by the Ministry of Education as follows:

1. The school attended must be the closest (of its type – primary/intermediate/secondary) to where the student lives.

2. Students must live more than a defined distance from the school:

a. Students in Years 1 to 8 must live at least 3.2 km (by road) from the school’s front gate.

b. Students in Years 9 to 13 must live at least 4.8 km (by road) from the school’s front gate.

3. There must be no suitable public transport.

In the past we have made provision for students who do not meet the eligibility criteria, above, to use the bus service. Importantly, there must be enough room on the buses and these students have had to pay for this service.

The Turangi Bus Service is a private bus company, but we require our students to adhere to the same protocols as our school bus system. We DO NOT act on any queries regarding their service, and or operation.

This message applies to both parties, and we expect that all our students;

· To adhere to any Health protocols as set down by the Ministry of Education and Health from time to time

· When using our service to always cooperate fully with the Bus Controllers, Bus Drivers

· behaviour will be always positive and that we cannot have our drivers being distracted from the important task of driving. This is particularly important with the winter driving conditions.

· Vaping or the use of E cigarettes, drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited on our school buses”

· not damage or vandalize the buses as any repairs or replacements will be charged to the offender/s – we are fortunate that Tranzit NZ provide us with a modern fleet of vehicles.

· obey the road rules at all the bus stops, transition points, when waiting for pickups or when getting off the bus.

· remind their parents to pick up and drop off in a safe manner i.e. DON’T PARK across the road from the Bus Stop and expect your child top cross the road to get to you.

· There are a number of “Bus Stop Bays” where buses park and or drop off and pick up students. Parents are advised NOT to park inside these areas and observe the signage for entry and exit to those sites.

· remind parents that if you arrange for your child NOT to take the bus after school that you contact the school and let us know.

We will have no hesitation in removing any student from the bus service for any breach of these conditions and expect that you will then have to make your own arrangements to get your child to and from school.

I will assume that your child who uses our bus service has delivered this letter and that you have received this letter and fully understand the protocols and requirements.

Regards

Bill Clarke
Principal
Chairman of the Taupo Schools Bus Network