April Burbank

Free Press Staff Writer

Burlington schools will soon no longer cover the cost of bus rides to and from school for many middle and high school students.

Interim Superintendent Stephanie Phillips shared details of the change in a letter posted online Thursday.

Under the new system, which takes effect Nov. 17, middle and high school students who live more than one mile from school and qualify for free lunch will continue to have free rides. Elementary school students who live more than 0.7 miles from school are also exempt from the change.

All other middle and high school students will be required to buy bus passes through the Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) or pay $150 for rides through the end of the school year on the website used for lunch service.

Students who qualify for free rides, or have paid for the year, will be identified with ID badges carrying a special CCTA symbol.

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The change results from budget cuts made in April. At the time, the School Board hoped to save about $120,000 by eliminating the subsidies. The actual savings will likely be less, but are difficult to estimate, said School Board Chairman Patrick Halladay.

The School Board holds the following policy on student transportation: "The Burlington Board of School Commissioners may provide transportation subsidies to students in grades K-5 who live more than ¾ of a mile away from their assigned school. Subsidies may also be provided to students in grades 6-12 who live more than 1 mile from their assigned school. The Burlington Board will provide transportation to Special Education students as required by law."

Children aged six to 17 qualify for CCTA discounted fares: 60 cents one-way, $6 for a 10-ride ticket, or $25 for a monthly pass.

Contact April Burbank at 660-1863 or aburbank@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AprilBurbank