N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 8 § 156.2

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 45, November 2, 2024

Section 156.2 - Approval of routes, seating capacities, and computerized bus routing services for state aid purposes

(a) Routes. The mileage to be used for State aid purposes shall be the distance along the highway or highways over which the bus travels, beginning at the schoolhouse where the pupils transported attend and proceeding by the most direct route to convey all the pupils entitled to transportation, and returning to the point of origin; provided that the route may begin at some other point whenever it is established to the satisfaction of the commissioner that the facts warrant. In no event will any route be considered for State aid purposes unless it extends more than a mile and a half from the schoolhouse. No State aid will be available for feeder routes unless the distance traveled is more than one mile.

(b) Approved seating capacity. The approved seating capacities shall be determined on the basis of the number of pupils legally entitled to transportation; provided, however, that no district shall be required to obtain another conveyance when the originally approved capacity is no longer required. Standing passengers shall not be permitted unless it is during the first 10 days of school, or unless it is due to a breakdown, crash or another unforeseen occurrence.

(c) Duplication of service. The Commissioner of Education may disallow capacities and mileage which in his or her judgment are duplication of service and inconsistent with maximum efficiency. Bus routes shall be so arranged that the maximum number of pupils entitled to transportation can be transported with the minimum number of bus miles and for a cost consistent with adequate service.

(d) Other transportation. Nothing herein contained shall prevent trustees and boards of education under rules established by them, from providing transportation in addition to that credited for State aid purposes, provided the same is reasonable and in conformity with the provisions of law, and money is legally available therefor.

(e) Computerized bus routing services.

(1) For purposes of apportionment for transportation services, pursuant to Education Law, section 3602(7)(b)(iv), computerized bus routing services shall mean programming, software development and software acquisition which result in the economical and efficient development of school bus routes meeting the criteria of this section and which have been approved by the commissioner. Programming and software development may be provided either by school district personnel or by contract.

(2) Each school district which seeks an apportionment pursuant to Education Law, section 3602(7)(b)(iv) shall annually prepare and submit to the commissioner for prior approval a contract or plan describing the service.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 8 § 156.2

Amended New York State Register July 29, 2020/Volume XLII, Issue 30, eff. 7/14/2020