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Robbinsville Public Schools

Subscription Busing

Subscription Busing

Due to ongoing budget constraints, Robbinsville Public Schools will implement a district-wide elimination of courtesy busing beginning with the upcoming school year.

Under N.J.S.A. 18A:39-1, public schools are required to provide transportation for elementary students (PK–8) who live more than 2 miles from school and for high school students who live more than 2.5 miles from school. Transportation provided to students residing within those mileage limits is considered courtesy busing and is not mandated by law.

The Transportation Department has completed a review of student addresses and identified those that fall within courtesy busing eligibility areas. As a result, transportation service to these addresses will be discontinued. Effected families were notified via ParentSquare of this determination.

To support families, the district will offer an optional subscription busing program for students who are not otherwise eligible for transportation. The annual cost of this service is $1,350 per student. Families who qualify for free or reduced lunch may receive a reduced rate of $337.50 per student. Applications have already been distributed to families that qualify. 

If you are unsure if your address qualifies for subscription busing, please contact the Transportation Department 609-632-0910 (x2213).

Helpful Links

NJDOE Student Transportation

NJDOE Subscription Busing

 

Subscription Busing FAQ

  • New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 18A: 39-1.8) permits a local Board of Education to provide transportation on a “subscription basis" to pupils who would, according to existing guidelines, not be eligible for school bus transportation to and from school. Subscription busing allows the Board of Education to provide transportation for a fee. Please note, bus stops will be based off the population of those requesting subscription busing and can be placed up to 0.5 miles from residence.

  • All resident public elementary school students (grades Pre-K to 8) who live more than 2 miles from their school and all public secondary students (grades 9-12) who live more than 2 ½ miles from their school are entitled to transportation. These students are said to live “remote from school.” 

  • All students not eligible for busing can apply for subscription busing on a first come, first serve basis.

  • Measurement is made by the shortest distance along public roadways or walkways between the entrance to the student’s home closest to the roadway or walkway to the nearest public entrance of the school.

  • The cost for the 2026-2027 school year is $1350.00. The final cost will be determined by the board of education and seat availability for a 54-passenger bus. Once a bus pass has been issued to a student, refunds will not be made.

  • Yes, a $500 deposit will be required by Friday, May 15th to hold your seat. Students who qualify for free and reduced the deposit will be $125. Refunds of the deposit will only be made if the request happens before the issuance of the bus pass. Once the bus pass is issued there will be no refunds.

  • Boards of education are not required to provide busing for students solely for hazardous routes. Districts are permitted to charge the students' parents or legal guardians for this service. Municipalities may also contract with boards of education for this service and charge parents. The term for transportation services that require a fee is called subscription busing.

  • Parents will be notified by the begining of August if their child receives transportation for the school year. Bus passes will be issued by the middle of August. Applications will be processed on a first come, first serve basis.

  • Bus stops can be located within half a mile of the students' homes. Bus passes will be available in late August. To protect students’ identity bus stops will not be announced in advance.  Bus stops will be corner stops for efficiency of bus loading and to reduce the number of stops.

  • Every student is required to always carry their bus passes. Random checks will be performed to make sure that only students who are subscribed are allowed on that bus.  Students who ride and do not belong will be issued fines and up to disciplinary actions determined by the building administration.

  • As prior to subscription bussing, parents/guardians are responsible for your child getting to and from school in a safe manner.

  • Students who receive free and reduced lunch are still able to apply for subscription busing at a reduced cost. The cost will be 25% of the total cost for the 2026-2027 school year and the fee is $337.50.  

  • The district does not offer an after-school bus, and we will not transport your child home after clubs or sports. They must make alternative arrangements for pick up.

  • Bus passes are not transferrable!

  • The fee for subscription busing will be non-refundable after a bus pass has been issued.

  • Students who ride a school bus are expected to follow the school bus regulations provided below:

    • Students must arrive at the school bus stop at least 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive and must be well-mannered while waiting for the school bus to arrive.
    • Students must not stand in the street or at the curb while waiting for the school bus to arrive.
    • Students must board and depart from the school bus in a single file.
    • Students must obey the directions from the school bus driver.
    • Students must be seated at all times and seatbelts must be worn.
    • Students may not distract the bus driver while the bus is moving.
    • Students may not open or close the windows of the bus without the permission of the bus driver.
    • Students must not throw an object out of the bus and must keep all body parts inside the bus at all times.
    • Students may not place any objects in the aisle of the school bus, such as coats, jackets, books, etc.

    Violations of any regulations will result in disciplinary action that may include suspension of bus privileges and forfeiture of the subscription fee.