← How it works
Network operations

Route design rules

These rules govern the daily operation of the Coastal Transport Network Group. Day-to-day operations are managed by EasyBus and Pickering Motors. In the event of a dispute or an unclear situation, the matter is referred to the Committee for a decision.

Definitions
Committee - the Coastal Transport Network Group Committee, made up of representatives from each school.
EasyBus system - the registration and management system operated by EasyBus on behalf of the Network.
Ministry of Education - the government body that funds and oversees school transport entitlements.
Route branch - the collection area of a route, typically a side road or group of side roads where students are picked up.
Route trunk - the main road or loop that a bus travels along to connect branches and deliver students to school.
TEZ - Transport Entitlement Zone. The area around a school within which students are entitled to use that school's bus service. TEZ boundaries are based on the halfway point between schools.
Route reviews: Routes are reviewed twice yearly in February and July, using student data from the EasyBus system. Changes are made to improve service, respond to student numbers, or address safety concerns.
Design rules

Five rules that govern route design

The Committee has established five rules that determine how bus routes are designed and how assistance is provided across the network.

1
Travelling beyond your nearest school

Students may use network buses to attend a school that is not their nearest, provided they make their own way to the TEZ boundary between the two schools. The Ministry of Education determines each school's TEZ, which can be viewed on the Ministry website.

Students travelling beyond their nearest school must not disadvantage existing riders. If a bus becomes full as a result, those students will be removed from the service.

2
Seating and standing

All students under 11 years of age must be seated at all times. Students aged 11 and over may stand if necessary.

If a bus reaches capacity, additional services will be arranged to ensure all students can travel safely.

3
Ineligible students

Students who live within the eligibility distance (less than 3.2km for primary, 4.8km for secondary) may access the bus where there is available space.

However, routes will not be altered or extended to accommodate ineligible students. If the bus becomes full, ineligible students will need to find alternative transport.

4
Turning points - 1.6km rule

Routes will extend to within 1.6km of the last eligible student on a branch. When selecting a turning point, the following factors are considered:

  • Number of students on the branch
  • Age of students
  • Safety of the road and turning area
  • Distance added to the route
  • Cost to the network

Families who live beyond the turning point are encouraged to apply to the Ministry of Education for a conveyance allowance to cover the cost of getting their children to the bus.

5
Shared enrolment zone - Rahotu & Opunake Primary

A shared enrolment zone exists between Rahotu School and Opunake Primary School, covering the Arawhata and Kina Roads area. Families in this zone may choose either school and will be accommodated on the appropriate bus service.

Eligibility

Distance requirements

To be eligible for free school transport, students must live a minimum distance from the nearest school they can attend, measured by the shortest practicable road route.

Year 1-8
Primary & intermediate
More than 3.2km from school
Year 9-13
Secondary
More than 4.8km from school
Spare seats: Where there is already space on a bus, students living inside the eligibility distance may be picked up. However, should the bus become full, these students will need to find alternative transport to school.
Ministry of Education

Conveyance allowance

If your family is eligible for school transport but lives too far from the nearest bus route, or if no bus service is available, you may be able to receive a conveyance allowance from the Ministry of Education.

What is it?
A conveyance allowance is a payment from the Ministry of Education to help offset the cost of transporting your child to school or to the nearest bus stop. It is paid once per term and the amount varies based on distance and the number of children.
Who is eligible?

To qualify, your child must meet all three criteria:

  • Be enrolled at their nearest eligible school
  • Live beyond the minimum distance (3.2km for Year 1-8, 4.8km for Year 9-13)
  • Have no suitable school bus service available, or live more than 2.4km from the nearest bus route
How to apply
Applications are made through the Ministry of Education's School Transport Hub. Your school can help you with the application process.
Ministry of Education - eligibility
Affected by the 1.6km rule? Families who live beyond the point where a bus route can reasonably extend are encouraged to apply to the Ministry of Education for a conveyance allowance to cover the cost of getting their children to the bus.